IT WAS an early start for the players on Monday morning, hitting the track before 9am for a competitive training run.

From running drills, skills, goal kicking and in-close, competitive games, there was never a dull moment at the Ricoh Centre this morning.

Voices were high as the players showed great leadership and enthusiasm throughought the session as preparations begin for the pre-season competition in February ahead of the season proper at the end of March.

Check out exclusive photos from the session below.


Alastair Clarkson was all smiles, sharing a joke with football staff ahead of the session.


Lance Franklin was looking good, training with lots of energy as he looks for an option.


He eventually found one, ready to dish off a handball.


Youngster Jed Anderson is keen to show his agression, wrapping up defender, Ryan Schoenmakers.


Luke Hodge had a hard time, wrestled to the ground by Hawks fitness staff.


And he was pretty exhausted at the end of it.


Jack Gunston and Matt Suckling made use of the footballs, honing their skills ahead of the NAB Cup in February.


Isaac Smith looked like he was enjoying the session, sharing a smile and a laugh with teammates.


Brett Ratten was all business, discussing a drill with fellow Assistant Coach Brendon Bolton and forward Jarryd Roughead.


The session wasn't without it's running drills, though.


Assistant Coach Adam Simpson headed one of the drills, explaining it to an attentive playing group.


Jordan Lewis fires a handpass past Grant Birchall.


The Defender finally gets his chance, and looks for a teammate during an in-close drill.


A fit looking Shane Savage gets low, ready to change direction if needed.


Cyril Rioli shows Sam Mitchell just how hard he is to catch when he gets the ball.