Hawthorn Vice Captain Isaac Smith believes his side has produced a brand of football in 2018 that can match it with the competition’s best.
Speaking to RSN on Wednesday morning, Smith said the Hawks have shown a level of fight that seemed to be lacking amongst the group this time last year.
“It feels like we’re playing footy that can challenge anyone at the moment,” he said.
“This time last year… we’d had two losses of more than 80 points.
“But what’s pleasing is that on the weekend, Melbourne got a run on and kicked four or five, but we stopped [them].
“And against Richmond, they got out to a bit of a lead but we pulled it back to two goals.
“So I think they are the differences in our game that have really helped us, and it’s the difference between being a competitive side and not.”
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After missing finals for the first time in eight years, Smith believes the 2017 campaign was just the wakeup call many players needed to reignite their hunger for success.
“I think last year helped a lot of guys freshen up.
“We went through a period of four grand finals in a row, that can be pretty draining, and you end up with a month less break each year than everyone else.
“Not that it was pleasing that [last year] happened [the way it did], but I think it helped a lot of guys recapture that motivation and desire, so it’s pretty exciting times.”
With several youngsters capitalising on their AFL call ups in 2017, Smith believes such opportunities have sent a positive ripple effect throughout the playing group.
“Last year was pretty much a write off for us, but the positive that came out of that for us was that there were so many guys that got games.
“And not just [that], there were also a lot of guys on our list that didn’t get games but they see there is an opportunity and if they play well they will get a game.
“In the first little part of the 2018 season, we’re seeing Box Hill play well and we’re seeing a lot of excitement and they can see a lot of opportunity in front of them.
“That’s probably the biggest thing that’s pushing the group at the moment.”
The Hawks will be looking to complete a full 180 this weekend when they take on North Melbourne, by turning the club’s 1-4 start in 2017 to a 4-1 start this year.
For tickets to the Round 5 clash, click here.
