HAWTHORN star Cyril Rioli is confident his pre-Christmas running program has his hamstrings ready to stand up to the on-field rigours that await him in 2015.

The 25-year-old has missed 21 games due to hamstring problems in the past two seasons but has still featured in the Hawks' back-to-back premierships.

He had a brilliant Grand Final in 2014 despite being out of the senior team between round 16 and the preliminary final.

"I feel a lot stronger in the legs," Rioli told AFL.com.au.

Under the watchful eye of Hawthorn fitness coach Andrew Russell, the exciting small forward has had a different preparation for the upcoming season.

"It's been pretty tough ... long-distance running isn't my thing. I definitely embraced it. Pre-Christmas I was doing a lot of hill sprints and a lot more running. After Christmas I got into skills," Rioli said.

Rioli has played in the past two NAB Challenge games, making seven tackles against North Melbourne and five tackles against St Kilda.

He also kicked a goal in the Hawks' 99-point win over the Saints on Thursday night.

He said those two outings had given him confidence that the program had him in good shape.

"It's been a lot different but I have definitely embraced it a lot more. I learned from last year that it's all about patience and you want to be there at the end of the season so I definitely took my time and I have definitely enjoyed it," Rioli said.

Hawthorn plays Geelong at the MCG on Easter Monday in Round 1.