HAWTHORN'S key defenders have been a strong talking point over the pre-season.

Trent Croad's retirement, Josh Gibson's arrival and Ryan Schoenmaker's development have all created headlines, however it's a fit Stephen Gilham that has the club's backline settled for 2010.

The 25-year-old played just 10 games last year as he battled to recover from a knee injury sustained against Carlton in the second week of the NAB Cup competition.

Now, exactly 12 months on, Gilham is ready for a full campaign.

"It's good as gold," he said of the knee. "As soon as I had the scan they said I wouldn't have any long-term damage. It was just a matter of doing it right and doing the rehab.

"During the Richmond game (NAB Cup, round one) I remember saying to the fitness guys it was as good as I've felt since I hurt my knee against Carlton in NAB two last year. All signs are that I won’t have any problems."

Gilham's injury was even more frustrating for the fact that he always seemed to be on the verge of returning, only to have a minor setback.

"There were a few times where my name was in the paper as coming back. I thought I was right and the doctors thought I was right. But I'd get out there and it let me down," he said.

"There were six or seven weeks where it was touch and go and every time I tried it wasn't quite right for me. It was a frustrating year in more ways than one."

The Hawks will have a different looking backline to the one that achieved premiership success in 2008 and Gilham says the acquisition of Gibson adds extra flexibility.

The pair played junior football for TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers and the former Kangaroo has wasted no time settling into his new home.

"Gibbo's been really good," he said. "He has fitted in really well. He's become really good friends with the senior guys and taken on board the Hawthorn culture really well. He is going to be a great asset for us down back.

"We haven't spoken about it a huge deal. I guess this pre-season in the NAB games we will work out how we're going to jell. Even when Croady was playing it was dependent on who we were playing and match-ups.

"Having Josh in gives us another guy to help us out with the tall forwards. Whether he plays deep back or centre half-back, I think it will depend on match-ups and horses for courses."

Gilham also has a history with Hawthorn's other trade acquisition, Shaun Burgoyne. Gilham spent three years at Port Adelaide for just one senior game before joining the Hawks and got to know Burgoyne well during his time at Alberton.

"We were at different aspects of our careers," he said. "He was always playing in the senior team and I was developing in the SANFL.

"I've always had a lot of time for Shaun, he's a fantastic bloke and he really tries to help the young guys out because of his experience and voice around the place.

"He's come on board and he's a great guy to have around the club and out on the field. He was vice-captain at Port and he's brought all that experience and knowledge over.

"He's going to be so good for the guys in the midfield and the forward line. He and I have picked up where we left off and it's been great."