Hawthorn has touched down in Launceston ahead of Friday’s JLT Community Series match against the Cats.

According to Hawks’ defender Taylor Duryea, the boys are looking forward to the challenge of facing a strong Geelong outfit.

“Apart from [the absence] of a few notables, they’re looking really strong so it’s great for us to have a hit out against such a high profile opponent.”

“We’ve had great battles with them in the past, so to [be up against] a team like Geelong in the first JLT match is really good for us.”

Though the Hawks have experienced significant change in personnel since their last AFL encounter, Duryea believes the new look playing group is as strong as ever.

“We’re optimistic about this year.

“We don’t feel like the group is deteriorating or on the way down, so we’re quite buoyed by what 2017 can bring.”

“Players leave every year, and guys are forced to step up and assume greater responsibility, so this year is no different.”

“We’ve got a lot of young guys that have either been drafted this year or in the last couple of years that are starting to progress, so it’s exciting to see people step up and take their opportunity.”

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The return of new skipper Jarryd Roughead will also offer the group renewed motivation, says Duryea.

“He’s such an infectious person, he’s so bubbly and brings everyone up and about, so just for that reason alone it’s great to have him around.”

The match will take place at UTAS Stadium (formerly known as Aurora Stadium). The Hawks have won their last 19 games at the ground, and will be looking to add to their winning tally.

“The surface is probably the best in the AFL to be honest,” says Duryea.

“We seem to be playing good footy down here, so we definitely love to come to Lonnie.”