HUNGER and motivation is strong at Hawthorn according to Coach, Alastair Clarkson ahead of Saturday's season opener against Brisbane.
Focused on ensuring there is no repeat of the disappointing season in 2009 following the 2008 premiership, Clarkson says his players returned from their off-season celebrations fit and ready to prepare for 2014.
He, nor his team of coaches fault their attitude or preparation for season 2014.
“We’ve had a really good preparation,” Clarkson told hawthornfc.com.au
“Obviously, we made it to the last Saturday in September so our preparation has been a little bit shorter than some other clubs but our players have been really disciplined and diligent over their break and came back in really good knick.
“Their motivation and training ethic over the 12 or 16 weeks that we’ve trained thus far has been first class, we haven’t been able to fault them at all.”
The Hawks were one of the in-form teams of the NAB Challenge, winning all three of their lead-in games by an average of 99 points - beating Brisbane (131 points), North Melbourne (56 points) and Melbourne (110 points).
But Clarkson knows there’s a significant step up in intensity in Round 1 of the season proper.
Pre-season form now, counts for little.
“They’re looking forward to Round 1. Our pre-season form has been quite good and that’s all we can ask of our players, that they perform when it comes time to walk onto the ground,” he said.
“Round 1 is a little bit greater of a step up in intensity and we’ve got a Brisbane side that’ll be pretty keen to start their season pretty well.”
With at least seven premiership players already missing from the 22 to be selected for Saturday’s season opener, there will be a number of fresh faces representing the Hawks at Aurora Stadium.
Max Bailey and Brent Guerra have retired, Lance Franklin has departed and Brad Sewell and Ben Stratton are injured.
Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli will also miss through suspension.
That means senior opportunities will be given to youngsters who are more than ready to step into the side, with players like Will Langford, Mitch Hallahan, Derick Wanganeen, Kurt Heatherley and Angus Litherland among those to impress over the summer.
“There’s going to be different faces from the last time we played, which is exciting for our group,” Clarkson said.
“We’ve been able to blood some of those lads over the last three games in the practice match series – some of which have been on our list for some time, so they’re ready to step up and play some senior footy.”
Recruit Ben McEvoy is likely to make his debut for the Club after an impressive summer, while Matt Suckling is ready to return after a serious knee injury.
