According to some social commentary, Hawthorn’s 22-point pre-season loss against the Bulldogs is cause for concern.
However, Isaac Smith doesn’t see it that way at all.
Speaking to SEN on Monday night, the Hawthorn Vice Captain was full of optimism, downplaying the significance of Saturday’s result and reassuring fans that the club is chugging in the right direction.
“We’re pretty excited down at Hawks-land with what we’ve been doing over the summer,” he said.
“I know we had a loss over the weekend, but in JLT, you’re always trying stuff and implementing new things so I don’t think there’s too much concern there.”
After a 2017 campaign that saw the Hawks miss out on finals for the first time in eight years, Smith is confident the 2018 list has the know-how and experience to rise again.
“I think we understand what it takes to play finals,” said the three-time premiership star.
“There are enough of us around that have been there when we’re playing really good footy.
“But you’re always tinkering as a side. We showed last year, by putting blokes like Gunston and Sicily down back, that your side’s never complete and you’re never standing still.
“So I think it’s pretty exciting, and there will probably be a few positional changes for the guys this year, and we’ll find out where they can play in different roles to really help the side.”
Read: Lessons trump pre-season loss
One such inclusion who could help the Hawks’ ladder ascent is new Hawk Jarman Impey, who has taken his vice-captain by surprise during his first few months at the club.
“Jarman has been a really good pick up.
“One thing I didn’t know about him so much is that he’s a genuine hard head, he really loves the physical contest.
“I always knew he had pace and he could do some pretty special things on the footy field, but the amount of grunt he’s brought into the club over the pre-season has been really beneficial and I think it will show up early in the season.
“It will be nice to have another speedster running around.
And another to have caught Smith’s attention – keep an eye out for a familiar name, in a very familiar jumper.
“Blake Hardwick is one to watch, he’s been given Hodgey’s number and he played some pretty good footy for us last year.
“He doesn’t get beaten too often in contests down in defence, and he’s also pretty efficient at using the footy as well.
The Hawks now look ahead to their second and final JLT clash against the Blues this Saturday, before the home and away season kicks off against the Pies on March 24th.
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