WITH only 12 of last year's premiership team in the side, assistant coach Brett Ratten said the Hawks discovered plenty from their youth in yesterday's NAB Challenge match.

With big names including Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Roughead (knee), Jack Gunston (shin), Luke Breust and Isaac Smith - and Cyril Rioli only playing a half - there were plenty of opportunities for the Hawks' youngsters to impress.

Tim O'Brien and James Sicily both kicked a goal each as they race to replace Jarryd Roughead on Easter Monday against Geelong.

Daniel Howe (14 touches) continued his push for the best 22, while last year's draftees Blake Hardwick (one goal) and Kieran Lovell showed they weren't overawed by the contest, with Hardwick getting involved in a push and shove with Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin.

"I didn't see it, but if he did that's good. Sometimes people say 'Oh, the kid's got to get 15, 20 or 30 possessions'. But sometimes those little battles that are really important for them in their development," Ratten said.

"Howe tackling Martin, those types of little battles … they feel the strength of the other players and learn a lot more about the AFL system.

"That’s what the NAB Challenge is about, finding out about talent and players you can call on through the year."

Ratten said the scoreboard wasn't the be all and end all for the Hawks, who are focused on building towards Round 1.

"We got game time into players, which is a positive, because we want to manage our list," he said.

"The scoreboard probably wasn't great for us, but to think we got game time into players and they're right to go next week as well (is a positive.)."

Ratten praised O'Brien for his strong aerial contest, with the 21-year-old forward taking five marks after being encouraged to jump for the ball by coaching staff.

"He's a talented kid and he's heading in the right direction and he's taken a little step today," Ratten said.

Ratten couldn't shed any light on Jack Fitzpatrick's knee injury after he limped off the ground in the final term having appeared to hyperextend his leg, although he dismissed fears of a calf knock for Cyril Rioli after the star forward played limited minutes.

"Cyril was down for a half, so he ticks that off, which is good," Ratten said. "He was due to come off with the rotations … so perfect.

"We don’t know yet (about Fitzpatrick), I think he will be OK, but we're not sure yet."