HAWTHORN’s pre-season training is about to step up a notch, with the players and coaches departing for a training camp in Queensland on Friday.

Mooloolaba will be Hawthorn’s base for the next eight days, as the coaches and fitness staff condition the players for the 2015 season.

The camp will run from 12-19 December.

Players will be pushed to their limits in what is sure to be an intense camp, with skills, running, boxing, strength and beach sessions all scheduled.

Back in training since 1 December, dual premiership Hawk Jack Gunston said the campo will be tough but it's a good opportunity to build camaraderie amongst the group, particualrly with the new players.

"I’m sure the coaches have a fair bit in-store for us up in Queensland," he told hawthornfc.com.au

"(But) I’m looking forward to it camp and getting away with all the boys and the coaches.”

Fellow premiership player Ben McEvoy, who finished third in the 2.2km time trial on 3 December and has impressed in training so far, also said he's looking forward to the camp.

"It should be a good trip. I haven’t been up to Mooloolaba before but the boys have been there on a few trips and have said it’s really good," he said.

"I’m looking forward to it."

While the players are sweating it out, hawthornfc.com.au and HawksTV will be on deck to capture all the action.

Stay tuned each day for a daily diary and highlights from the day’s training, as well as raw video footage and photos from the sessions.

The training camp will provide the players with a sound fitness base heading into the Christmas break, before returning in the New Year to ramp up preparations first for the NAB Challenge and then for the 2015 season.

The Hawks last held its training camp in Mooloolaba ahead of the 2013 season.