VFLW Hawk Cass Papadopoulos says there is a renewed excitement around the club ahead of the season opener in a month’s time. 

As the side continues their preparation for season 2018, Papadopoulos says she and her teammates are eagerly anticipating the beginning of the season.

“I’m really excited to move forward as Hawthorn and as a new team with more players in from different clubs, from AFLW clubs while also retaining players (from last year),” Papadopoulos said. 

“I’m also excited for how we are going to take these new game rules and implement them to our structures and move forward with that.

“I think it’s a learning aspect for us to gain more knowledge about the game and move together as a family.”

Read: Recruits impress in VFLW intraclub

Hawthorn VFLW has made some exciting additions to their list ahead of the season, with GWS pair Phoebe McWilliams and Rebecca Beeson set to boost the club’s forward stocks.

While Rebecca Privitelli, also a Giant, will bring some solidarity to the side’s defensive line.

But Papadopoulos says the teammate who fans should watch out for most is the Hawks’ newest recruit Meg Hutchins. 

Having played 12 games over two years with Collingwood AFLW side, Hutchins is one of the most experienced players in the country and will be an integral part of the Hawks outfit in 2018.

“I definitely think you should keep an eye out for ‘Hutchy’. 

“I think she is going to bring a lot of composure to the game. 

“She will also bring on a lot of knowledge, especially for the newer girls, and even those returning players, I think we can all learn from her.”

Fellow Hawk Dianna Haines echoed Papadopoulos' sentiment, saying there are several exciting new faces that Hawks' fans should keep their eyes on - including a couple that haven't come through the AFLW system.

"I'm really liking Jade Barnden," Haines said following the Hawks' intraclub in the weekend.

"She's an ex-soccer player, she's quick off the mark, she's great in the air and I think she's going to be a real asset to our forward line.

"And coming through the centre, Pip Peschke is great to watch as well, she just goes so hard at the ball.

"It's also really awesome to see Wotto [former Collingwood player Lou Wotton] in the forward line, normally she's a ruck.

"But wow, she just charges straight through and she got some great hit ups on the chest which was awesome to see."

The Hawks face Essendon at Windy Hill in Round 1 on Sunday May 6 at 1:00pm.