HAWTHORN recruit Jonathan Simpkin has begun life as a Hawk in the best way possible, impressing Assistant Coach Brendon Bolton in the Club’s opening matches of the NAB Cup.

Simpkin was one of Hawthorn’s best across games one and two against Gold Coast and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite the Hawks suffering two surprising losses, the former Cat impressed the Hawks coaching staff both with his intensity around the ball and attack on the opposition.

Bolton, the Club’s midfield coach was particularly pleased with Simpkin’s performance on the weekend, and says the 25 year old can add another dimension to the already powerful Hawthorn midfield.

One of his strengths, Bolton says is his ability to play in a variety of positions and perform a number of different roles.

“We know he can kick goals, at Geelong he was a goal kicker so he’s a different type of midfielder than probably what we have at the moment and he can find the ball forward of centre,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“One thing about Jonathan is he can play multiple roles, he can play forward, he can play on a wing and he can play as an inside midfielder.

“That just gives us flexibility in the side so what he needs to do is get his mind around embracing different roles and if he can do that, we think we’ve got something different in our midfield that can play in varying roles.”

Simpkin showcased different talents in each game, with the midfielder illustrating his desire be aggressive at the opposition in game one. Despite gathering just four disposals against Gold Coast, he laid three bone-crunching tackles.

In game two against Brisbane, however, it was his ball winning ability that impressed, gathering 12 possessions to be Hawthorn’s highest disposal getter.

Bolton says it is his hardness at the football combined with his finishing skills that is earning him respect amongst the playing group.

“We’re hoping he can add that element to our midfield but also he’s earning respect amongst the group at the moment and to do that in his first game, with his attack on the ball and the opposition was first class,” he said.

“That’s his way of earning respect and I think he’ll continue to develop like that.”

Simpkin was delisted after playing just four career matches with Geelong, and was recruited by the Club as a Delisted Free Agent in October.

Bolton says he has enjoyed an impressive summer at his new club and has the potential to add to the Club’s midfield arsenal.

“He hasn’t missed a beat, one of the key things to having a good season is having a full pre-season,” he said.

“He comes in as a mature body who has been in the AFL system for a while so he’s had good consistency with it.

“He’s just learning our structures and the little intricacies of our game plan but once he has his head around that we think he’ll do well.”