Hawthorn may have farewelled veteran wings Isaac Smith, Ricky Henderson and Tom Scully over the past four months, but it appears the club has already identified ready-made replacements if Thursday's intraclub is anything to go by.
Draftee Connor Downie and recruit Tom Phillips were among the talking points to come from the heated hit-out, with the pair spending the bulk of their respective days on the wings of the 'Probables' side.
It was a nod to the first impressions the duo have made in the initial stages of their time in the brown and gold, with assistant coach Brendon Bolton admitting both had impressed the coaching group.
"We lost Isaac this year and Tommy (Phillips) can run and carry with the ball, but more importantly he's quite a thickset body too so he can pinch-hit inside as well," Bolton said.
"He gives us a different look - he can run up and down the wing all day but also have some time on-ball."
"Connor is a really focused young lad and is soaking up all the information.
"His workrate up and down the ground has been a strong suit, so that was a pleasing little step for him today."
Bolton also highlighted the impact of James Worpel.
The 2019 Peter Crimmins Medallist was among the best players on Thursday, with his powerful style of play a feature of the game.
"We know he's a really good contested ball inside player, but being able to win that possession where you're breaking from congestion and then winning it at the next contest I think he's making some steps in that space now which I've been pleased about, particularly today," he said.
Jarman Impey was another to catch the eye, with the rebounding defender back to his penetrating best having only played five games last season following his knee reconstruction in 2019.
"He continued to impress with his bounce off half-back today I thought," Bolton said.
"Pre-season form suggests he's starting to get his mojo back and we know at his best how talented he can be. Just of late he's shown some real bounce and rebound which is pleasing."
