ASSISTANT Coach Brendon Bolton says Hawthorn aims to refine its game plan against North Melbourne and Richmond tonight at Etihad Stadium.

The Hawks named a squad brimming with stars for its first competitive hit-out of 2012, as the soon to return Jarryd Roughead, Stephen Gilham and David Hale the only noticeable absentees.

“(It’s) a really individualised program in terms of NAB Cup,” Bolton told hawthornfc.com.au.

“Most clubs use the NAB Cup as an opportunity to refine their game plan and get a good blend of youth and experience in there, and we’ll do the same.

“We’ll make sure that all our players from our youngsters like (Bradley) Hill and (Alex) Woodward play game time that is suited to their body and the amount of conditioning they’ve had.

“We won’t go out there with a totally young side or a really experienced side, it’ll be a bit of a mix like usual.”

Despite the round-robin opening format of the pre-season competition, resulting in shorter match play, the Hawks’ approach won’t be affected.

“It’ll be a really balanced approach and making sure that number one, the individual is the priority and they play the game time according to their body and their experience,” Bolton said.

Hawthorn coaching staff will be looking for improvement in the side’s young guns during the pre-season competition. It is something that Bolton says will provide the spark the Hawks need to improve on its third-place finish in 2011.

“Some of our younger guys last year in (Isaac) Smith and (Liam) Shiels and (Shane) Savage and these guys, we’d hope they will take a big step forward this year in their second year,” Bolton said.

The Hawks have a blockbuster start to the home and away season, playing grand finalists Collingwood and Geelong in the opening two rounds and will use the pre-season competition to prepare accordingly.

“It’s all build up and preparation in the next month.”

Hawthorn plays North Melbourne and Richmond in tonight’s second and third matches at Etihad Stadium. For more details, read hawthornfc.com.au’s match-day information including match timings.


Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.