Though the Hawks were unable to register a win in their first pre-season clash against the Bulldogs, there were plenty of positives signs for Hawthorn fans to be excited about for the season ahead.
Youngster Ollie Hanrahan booted his first ‘unofficial’ AFL goal, Jaeger O’Meara played well and got through the four quarters unscathed, and Jarman Impey showed electric bursts in his first game in the brown and gold guernsey.
The Power recruit finished with 15 disposals, six inside 50s and five score involvements in a solid first hit out.
After a long off-season that included speculation about his future, an interstate move, and starting fresh at a new club, Impey says it was nice to get back on the park and playing the game he loves.
“It felt really good,” he said after the Hawks 22-point JLT loss.
“It’s been a long pre-season… but to be out and pulling on the guernsey for the first time is pretty exciting.”
With three months of training, an intraclub hit out and a pre-season game now under his belt, the 22-year-old says the on-field chemistry with his new teammates is strengthening week by week.
Despite having played all over the ground during his time at Port Adelaide, the new recruit may find home across Hawthorn’s half forward line, having looked comfortable amongst the forwards during in Saturday’s clash,
“Half forward is where I’ve been training very hard this pre-season,” Impey said.
“I’m just trying to get the best out of myself in [that position], and I think that’s where I’ll be playing most of my football.”
The Hawks now look to next week’s JLT clash against Carlton in Launceston, before the home and away season kicks off against the Pies on March 24th.
