HAWTHORN Captain Luke Hodge says a tough opening month of football to kick-off season 2015 has ensured the players are fit and firing for Round 1.

The Hawks play five of last year’s top eight in the two months, starting with Geelong on Easter Monday, followed by Essendon in Round 2 and Port Adelaide on Anzac Day in Round 4.

North Melbourne (Round 5) and a grand final re-match against Sydney (Round 8) also await the reigning premiers in the opening months of the season.

The skipper, who capped off an outstanding year in 2014 with a third premiership and second Norm Smith Medal says success this year isn’t guaranteed because of past results.

“We realise that it’s a big build up and start to the year,” Hodge told hawthornfc.com.au ahead of the Easter Monday blockbuster.

“We came to a date in mid-October when the boys had done all their celebrating.

“Once we come back to training, we focus on the following year.

“We’ve had the mindset the last few years and that has held us in good stead, so this year is no different.”

Alastair Clarkson’s side is heading into Monday’s season opener in an envious position, with nearly a full list to choose from.

GM – Football Operations confirmed to hawthornfc.com.au on Tuesday that premiership defenders Grant Birchall and Matt Spangher are available despite not featuring in the NAB Challenge, while recruits James Frawley and Jonathan O’Rourke could make their debut for the club.

Hodge, who has enjoyed a strong pre-season unhindered by injury, is feeling as good as ever too.

He says the uninterrupted pre-season the Hawks have enjoyed only bodes well for the side, particularly given its challenging start to the year.

“We’ve had a lot of guys do a power of work but no doubt so have a lot of the other clubs,” he said.

“I’m not saying we’ve been that much better but it’s just that we’ve been consistent with having a lot of guys on the track.

“We’ve done everything we’ve had to for this stage of the year and now all we have to worry about it making sure we’re switched on on Easter Monday.”

Despite Geelong’s straight-sets exit from last year’s finals series, Hodge says the Hawks are under no illusions about their strength heading into the season opener.

The Hawks have actually won three of their last five encounters by an average of 21 points but none of those victories have come easy.

“We need to make sure the boys come ready to go because we know Geelong are going to have that same mindset,” Hodge said.

“It doesn’t matter where the teams are ranked when it comes to Hawthorn-Geelong games.

“They always challenge us and we always challenge them, so no doubt it’ll be exactly the same on Monday.”