Hawthorn veteran Blake Hardwick says the Hawks are concentrating on what they built last year as they ramp up their preparations for an exciting 2025 season.

Speaking to Talking Hawks, Hardwick also touched on who is leading the way on the track so far this pre-season, being inducted as a Hawthorn life member at the end of last year and his excitement around imminently becoming a father. 

We summarised the key points from his chat below. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO BLAKE HARDWICK'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH TALKING HAWKS

On the early season focuses for 2025

“We haven't really focused on the zero and five at all. We'd just like to build on the momentum we finished with last year. We’ve got a tough first five weeks, with a few Friday night games and Thursday night games against some tough teams, as well as some rivalries, so that'll be great fun. We haven't had the Friday night and Thursday night fixtures for a while so I'm excited to get back into that.”

On last year's Elimination Final

“Yeah, it was amazing. It was probably the best feeling I've had since playing. I obviously had the two finals in 2018 but got done in both of those. So to get back there and win one, especially after the slow start, no one ever really expected us to be there. So that kind of, in a way, made it feel even better.”

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On last year's Semi Final

“It's a driving factor, yeah, because you know how good it felt in the first final. I guess it's given the boys a feeling of finals footy and that's the main thing. I don't think it's necessarily about the burning factor of losing to Port, but more about the feeling of winning finals and getting to that stage.”

On emerging leaders & training intensity

“Yeah, we have some young leaders coming through like Will Day and Dylan Moore. Their training standards are some of the best I've seen and they drive it all. That Christmas break is a pretty important period to come through, get fit and be ready for that first practice game against Geelong. As long as we're ready for that, then I'm sure we'll start the season well.”

On receiving Hawthorn Life Membership

“Yeah, that was amazing. I got to do it with James Sicily as well. It's funny, we actually changed numbers, he got number six and I got number 15 at the same time, and we still have that photo of us getting presented those jumpers, so it's kind of cool to come through and do that with him. It’s something I'll look back on I'm sure when my career is finished and be grateful.”

Playing forward or defence?

“It's exciting. I think I have a bit more confidence this year because I found some proof that I could play forward last year. I’m a lot more confident this year with myself in that role and it's exciting to play with some of those players. We've recruited a few backmen so we're definitely not short down there anymore. I guess we'll see what happens.”

On who’s standing out this pre-season

“Yeah, there’s been a few. The really fit guys seem to stand out at this time of year, like the CJs, the Weddles and the Moores. Daysy’s looking great after a slower end of last year with his shoulder stuff. He's looking amazing. Those fitter guys seem to stand out this time because they always dominate the running.”

On how the group will manage external noise

“I think you don't concentrate on being the hunted. Instead, we’ll just concentrate on what we built last year and the energy, the spirit, the celebrations and the joy that you see on TV. Hopefully, that flows through with our footy and we find when we're playing like that, that's when it that's when it works. So yeah, we’re not concentrating too much on being the hunted, we're speaking about that enjoyment and obviously the excitement and being around each other.”

On becoming a father

“I'm excited and nervous. Only seven weeks to go now, so very excited, and yeah, hopefully, she comes on time because round zero is four days after the due date.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO BLAKE HARDWICK'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH TALKING HAWKS