HAWTHORN'S defenders are developing a more aggressive mindset under new backline coach Luke Beveridge, says Hawk backman Kyle Cheney.

Beveridge replaced long-time assistant coach Ross Smith at the Hawks at the end of last season.

A former Melbourne, Footscray and St Kilda player, Beveridge spent two years as a development coach at Collingwood.

He also achieved the unique feat of leading St Bede's/Mentone to successive VAFA premierships in C, B and then A-grade between 2006 and 2008.

Cheney said Beveridge's arrival had signalled a summer of learning for he and his fellow defenders.

"A lot of our pre-season has been based around learning the new positioning, and getting a little bit more aggressive in the backline," Cheney told hawthornfc.com.au on Tuesday from the Hawks' Australia Post community camp in Tasmania.

"We're still getting our head around that, but if we get it right, then that will lead to a lot more run out of defence.

"[The focus is on] being the first to react to the ball, rather than being dictated to by the forwards.

"We'll still have an opponent who'll determine our starting position, but it's just not always going to be right on their hip.

"Your opponent will still be your focal point and you've got to work off him, but it's just about being a little bit more aggressive."

Cheney said the fresh voice had been well received.

"Luke has been great," he said.

"It has taken a little bit of time for the players to adjust to what he wants, because we've had the same thing for so long, but he's such a good teacher so it's not too hard to get a grip of what he wants us to do."

Cheney played eight senior games in season 2011, his first with Hawthorn after crossing from Melbourne during the 2010 trade period.

He also managed a top-10 finish in Box Hill's best and fairest despite playing only 11 matches for the Hawks' VFL affiliate.

The 22-year-old has set a goal to spend more time at the top level this year, but knows that competition for places in the highly-rated Hawthorn line-up will once again be fierce.

"The depth in the squad at the moment is unbelievable," Cheney said.

"There's going to be good players week-to-week that miss out, and selection is going to be really tough."

But the former Demon said the need to prove himself against his teammates wasn't a major motivation during pre-season training.

"It is hard for everyone to compete for the same spot, but at the same time, we're all best mates," Cheney said.

"So when we're doing a solid session and it starts to get really tough, it's not as if we're trying to beat the next person or anything like that.

"We're all still helping each other out and trying to get the best out of each other.

"That competition drives us, but it's not as if you're sacrificing your mate's spot for your own.

"You're still helping each other out, and we're all trying to improve collectively."

Cheney will stay in Launceston for the next three days with teammates Jordan Lewis, Cameron Bruce, Brent Guerra, Brendan Whitecross, Tom Murphy, Will Langford, Sam Grimley and Jordan Kelly.

Other Hawthorn players are spread across the island state.

The Launceston group spent Tuesday morning playing ball games with children from non-profit organisation Able Australia.

"The kids seemed like they were enjoying it; they had big smiles on their faces, so it was all pretty good," Cheney said.

"It's good to get out and help people out and put a smile on their face."

The Hawks' community camp will finish with an intra-club practice match at Aurora Stadium on Friday morning, with entry free for spectators.