Hawthorn fans may not have been left wholeheartedly inspired by their side's form in the recent Marsh Community Series but history would suggest pre-season performance is very rarely an indicator of the consequential season. 

Since 2007, the Hawks have played 37 games across 13 pre-season competitions with a winning rate of just shy of 46 per cent.

No matter which way you spin it, that's hardly impressive.

Consider that the Hawks have won four premierships and nearly two-thirds of their 312 games in that time.

Alastair Clarkson's side has improved on its pre-season winning rate in 10 of its past 13 season propers.

The three summers that weren't later improved? 2009, 2011 and 2014.

In 2011 and 2014, we went 3-0 and 2-0 respectively therefore making an improvement impossible while the 2009 campaign... well, we can just agree to forget that one. 

Of the four premiership years in this time, the Hawks again hold an unflattering 5-7 record.

So, while the last few weeks may have the faithful feeling slightly down on its expectations in 2020, rest assured the Hawks typically find a way.