ANY doubts about Grant Birchall’s fitness ahead of Round 1 have been cast aside, after the star defender featured heavily in Hawthorn’s intra-club match on Monday.

Birchall missed the Hawks’ final NAB Challenge match, against North Melbourne just over a week ago, with a minor ankle injury.

But the 216-game veteran showed no signs of injury in Monday’s contest, producing a typical Grant Birchall performance across half back.

“I’m good to go,” Birchall said post-game.

“I played a full game, the ankle’s feeling pretty good and I’m looking forward to Monday.

“It was good to get a few cobwebs out for me personally, and it was good for the team to get a bit of confidence and move the ball well.

“We were able to work on our structures and get them in place, which I thought we did pretty well.”

Birchall said the Hawks couldn’t wait for their Easter Monday season opener against Geelong Cats.

“The mood around the place is really positive,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to the year ahead. The hunger and the motivation is still there – we just can’t wait for Monday.”

The Hawks have won five of their past six against the Cats, but will face a Cats side bolstered by some big name recruits, including star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield.

“They’ve been pretty impressive this pre-season with their ability to win the footy out of the midfield, get it down there quickly and kick a score,” Birchall said.

“They’re always great contests against Geelong and we’re just looking forward to getting into it.”