With the NAB Challenge now on the doorstep, the Hawks hit the track early on Monday to prepare for Thursday night's clash against Collingwood.

The players would have been thankful for the early start despite it being a Monday morning, given the weather in Melbourne was already hot and humid and temperatures were already up around 30 degrees at 10am.

Split into two groups, the players did a number of different drills under pressure and in confined spaced that focused on both use of the ball by hand and then by foot.

The coaches also put the players through match simulation but used only a quarter of the ground.

Check out the best photos from the session below.

Josh Gibson calls for the footy to kick things off.

The skipper leads the way early in the session.

How good is it to see Brendan Whitecross back up and running? We can't wait to see him back in the brown and gold stripes.

Assistant Coach Adem Yze leads one of the drills.

Jordan Lewis changes direction and calls for the footy.

Sam Grimley takes a quick breather before getting back into it.

Isaac Smith runs down the wing.

Luke Breust takes time to get a quick rest between drills. It's a hot one!

A happy skipper means a happy team!

Alex Woodward gets caught by Jermaine Miller-Lewis but manages to keep his arms free.

Sam Mitchell gets ready to chip to a teammate.

Draftee Daniel Howe has been impressive so far this pre-season according to teammate Liam Shiels.

Catch me if you can, Jermaine.

What can Billy Hartung produce in his second year? Here he actively mans the mark.

Something has earned the Cyril Rioli tick of approval.

Could Thursday night be the first time we see James Frawley play for the Hawks?