There was plenty of action at the Ricoh Centre on Wednesday, as Hawthorn completed its first full intra-club match of the pre-season.
The boys were divided into two teams, swapping the brown and gold for vibrant blue and orange training guernseys.
While the conditions were unlike that of a normal premiership game (with temperatures reaching the low thirties late in the match), the boys worked hard to run out the four quarters.
Cyril Rioli found the football early, taking a big grab and following it up with the first goal of the match.
Many of the usual suspects were busy; Isaac Smith was everywhere, racking up 32 disposals. Luke Hodge also played his part, notching 22 touches and a goal.
Jarryd Roughead led by example, posting four goals and one behind to go with his 22 disposals.
Jack Gunston was also instrumental hitting the scoreboard twice and collecting 28 disposals, while Luke Breust finished with a tidy bag of four.
In terms of young talent, draftee James Cousins was impressive in the club’s last hit out before the JLT Community series begins. The 18-year-old rookie managed 24 disposals, including seven marks, four inside 50s and a clearance, in a respectable performance for his first intra-club match.
Jack Fitzpatrick was another rookie to impress, finishing with three goals and 18 disposals.
Ricky Henderson (20 disposals), Jaeger O’Meara (1 goal, 16 disposals) and Ty Vickery (1 goal, 12 disposals), all had solid performances in their first intra-club hit out for Hawthorn.
GM- Football and Operations Jason Burt was thoroughly impressed with the way the team performed amid tough circumstances.
“The conditions were incredible, but the boys continued to work really hard across the four quarters despite the heat, so we’re happy with the results.”
“Jack Gunston and James Sicily were both impressive, and we’re thrilled with the way Roughy is going.
“He took captaincy in his stride and performed extremely well on the field.”
Read: All the best photos from Wednesday's intra-club match
The Hawks now have their eyes placed firmly on next Friday, when they will kick off their JLT Community Series campaign against Geelong at UTAS Stadium.
