THERE is no complacency in the mind of Isaac Smith ahead of season 2014, declaring he’s as hungry as ever for more success.

Much has been made of the differences between the Hawthorn of 2009 and 2014, having to attack another home-and-away season after achieving the ultimate success.

But for Smith, a premiership player in just his third year in the AFL has been inspired to work harder and train longer because of the success he achieved with his teammates last year.

If anything, the 24 year old says, last year’s premiership has instilled a further hunger within the playing group to get to the pinnacle again.

“It actually makes it so much easier to come back,” Smith told hawthornfc.com.au

“How much I enjoyed it means you just want to do it again. I have probably been a lot more eager to attack this pre-season than any other since I’ve been at the Club and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“People say it’s a grind but I actually don’t mind it, I’m usually okay at the pre-season stuff, so it has been a really enjoyable atmosphere.”

If early pre-season form is any indication, the hunger within the Hawthorn players is well and truly alive.

The Hawks defeated Brisbane by 131 points and North Melbourne by 56 points in the NAB Challenge, proving once again they’ll be among the top sides in the league.

Smith says it has been the youngsters who have stepped up over the summer and taken the Hawks forward.

Already, Will Langford and Mitch Hallahan have pushed their cases for senior selection while rookies Kurt Heatherley and Derick Wanganeen have impressed.

Then there’s the forgotten defender and last year’s Box Hill best and fairest winner, Kyle Cheney who has had another good summer.

“I feel like there is still a lot of pressure on spots and that’s pushing everyone to work harder,” Smith said.

“You’ve got guys like Kyle Cheney who at any other club would be a walk-up start so pressure for spots is great.

“Last year we won the premiership in the VFL and the AFL, so there’s obviously a good mix at the Club and a good amount of pressure without there being too much.”

In just his fourth season at the Club, Smith, 24, has become one of Hawthorn’s most important players and was a key figure in the premiership win, thanks to his speed and running and goal kicking ability.

He is damaging both with and without the ball but it is his ability to break the game open that has made him such an important player for Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks.

While at times he flashed in and out of games last season, Smith’s put together the most consistent football of his career from Round 16, where he averaged 21.36 disposals.

He found a good balance between his football life and his personal one, which translated into better and more consistent on-field performances.

Smith says keeping your mind clear when away from football is the key to playing to a high standard on a consistent basis.

“It’s obviously got a lot to do with your mind set and your mental strength and ability,” he said.

“I’m not going to give away my secrets but there are a lot of outside sources that can affect your consistency so it’s about being able to control what you can control.”