We’ve asked Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd to nominate five players that have impressed him over the course of the pre-season.

Some are yet to debut, others have had multiple visits to the top of the game’s mountain, all have a point to prove when it comes to a pre-season campaign.

Over the past three seasons, Kaiden Brand has been in and out of the senior side, playing 38 games for Hawthorn and 25 for Box Hill over that period.

Entering his seventh season on Hawthorn’s list, Brand is planning on creating a more concrete spot for himself in the Hawks backline in 2019.

Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd believes his summer campaign has done that aspiration no harm.

“The focus for KB has been to put on a bit more size and improve his strength over the pre-season which he has done a fantastic job with,” Boyd said.

Read: Summer Stand-outs - Breust

“He’s had the most consistent pre-season of his last three years - he’s put on size but also improved his strength levels which has been important.

“He is a power athlete and he’s been able to take that to another level this summer.”

A notable performer in both the club’s intraclub and practice match against Carlton in recent weeks, the 24-year-old will now turn his attention to the JLT Series where he will be looking to firm his place in the Round 1 line-up.