Hawthorn defensive coach Darren Glass says the side is approaching this year like any other under Alastair Clarkson’s tenure: with an aspiration to play finals.

The Hawks have finished in the top four in seven of the last eight seasons, with Clarkson famous for setting that as a non-negotiable goal at the dawn of each new campaign.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Glass said the club could take a lot of confidence into 2019 on the back of a strong summer.

“Clarko is a very ambitious coach and the aim is to play finals each and every year,” Glass said.

“We’d like to perform well and there is always high expectations at Hawthorn.

“We don’t shy away from that.”

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A four-time All Australian defender himself, Glass noted that swingman Tim O’Brien had looked more and more comfortable at the defensive end the longer the pre-season had gone.

“He’s been really impressive - he had a great pre-season.

“He came back to defence and he’s been able to settle well back there.

“We’re really looking forward to him having a good year, progressing well and hopefully cementing his spot in the team.”