Hawthorn has completed its first ever open intraclub hit out, with more than 3000 fans packing into Waverley Park to watch the boys in action.

The 2018 playing list was divided into two teams, orange and blue, to go head to head in a four-quarter match simulation. Blue team maintained the lead for most of the match, finishing 26-point victors thanks to handy performances from the likes of Jaeger O’Meara, Luke Breust and Tom Mitchell. 

Despite the 5pm kick off, temperatures remained above 25 degrees for the entire four quarters, making for a slippery and heated contest. 

GM-Football Graham Wright says the hit out was a great opportunity to get match experience into the list before the pre-season competition commences.

“It’s always good to have a hit out with proper umpires and a good crowd,” said Wright.

“All the players were really keen, there was a lot of build up to the event, and I think it went really well.” 

The playing list emerged from their first full match simulation relatively unscathed, with James Frawley the only minor casualty on the night. 

“We ended up with one injury for the night, James Frawley had some minor groin soreness so that was a little disappointing, but outside of that the rest of the boys got through it quite well.”

Jaeger O’Meara gave Hawthorn fans a glimpse of what he’s capable of, playing out much of the match and performing strongly without any strapping to his knee.

The 2017 draftees also proved their worth, with James Worpel, Dylan Moore, Changkuoth Jiath and Jackson Ross all finding the goals at stages throughout the match.

“I thought everyone had a genuine go,” said Wright.

“Jaeger was very good, as were James Sicily and Tom Mitchell, and Ben Stratton was outstanding as a defender.

“Some of our young players also showed some positive signs, with Ollie Hanrahan, Kieran Lovell, James Worpel and CJ (Changkuoth Jiath) all putting in a solid effort."

Stay tuned for highlights and match statistics to come.