ASSISTANT Coach Brendon Bolton says fans should expect to see players in different positions again in tonight’s NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne, as the Hawks look to further increase versatility amongst its players.
In last Thursday night’s 131-point demolition of an inexperienced Brisbane, the Hawks experimented with dynamic small forward Cyril Rioli in defence.
Known most for his freakish goal kicking talents and ability to apply manic pressure, Rioli looked comfortable in the role and could be set to add further flexibility to the Hawks during the home and away season.
The hallmark of Hawthorn’s premiership win in 2013 was its ability to rotate players through different roles, with Coleman Medal winner Jarryd Roughead’s move into the midfield the biggest surprise.
Roughead spent time as a rover in the centre square to add more size to the Hawks midfield with great success.
Gun midfielder Sam Mitchell also spent time in a different role, used across half back where he was eventually named in the 2013 All Australian side.
“We keep an open mind, we’re looking to try and play our players in various roles – not just as forwards, mids and backs,” Bolton told media in Tasmania on Thursday.
“When you do that in the NAB Challenge sometimes things open up and you find something new.
“We have nothing in concrete at the moment, we just want to try them in different roles and see what bobs up for us in these sorts of games.”
The Hawks aren’t, however, expecting to get the game played entirely on their terms tonight.
Both Hawthorn and North Melbourne have named experienced teams for their second competitive hit out against opposition of the year, with Captain Luke Hodge set to make his first appearance for the Hawks.
Joining him for their first run of 2014 are Brad Sewell and Josh Gibson, while Roughead, Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Rioli are among 15 premiership players named.
For North Melbourne, recruit Nick Dal Santo has been named alongside senior players such as Daniel Wells, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey and Scott Thompson.
“We think the pressure will increase and we need that, we need the pressure game,” Bolton said.
“They’ve named a pretty good squad; there are some strong players along all lines.”
That pressure, Bolton says is important to adequately prepare the players for the season proper.
The Hawks are under no illusions following last Thursday night’s big win.
“There’s always a level of confidence after a game like that but there’s never a level of complacency,” he said.
“Our players are professional; they know what it takes and they’ve been there before so they’re using this game as a real preparation game because their mindset has been steeled and ready for Round 1.”