Two-time premiership player Ben McEvoy says the hunger for success is certainly still driving the Hawks.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, McEvoy said the reigning premiers are refreshed and ready to go.
“The hunger is still there. I think a bit of change always helps that,” he said.
“While it’s sad to lose Hale and Lake and Suckers going over to the Bulldogs, that natural change in dynamic is healthy for things.”
With the departures of Hale, Lake and Suckling and Jarryd Roughead on the sideline with a knee injury there are at least four spots available in the Hawks’ Round 1 side.
“There are a few spots up for grabs now and the young guys have been impressive this pre-season,” he said.
“It’ll be exciting to start getting some games into them.”
Despite the recent success of the club and speculation around the Hawks’ ability to make it four in a row McEvoy isn’t feeling any extra pressure.
“You can argue it any way. But when you’ve got some runs on the board, I feel a little bit like the pressure is off a bit and it’s almost like a free swing.
“We will just go out and have another crack at it.”
