Hawthorn unearths midfield answer amid on-ball concerns

Hawthorn's midfield fears have initially been allayed following the performance of Connor Macdonald during Monday's match simulation against Geelong.

Dealing with the injury absence of Will Day,  the departure of James Worpel to the Cats and the failed attempt to lure Zach Merrett from Essendon, the Hawks have looked internally to fill the on-ball void.

Enter Macdonald.

The 23-year-old has been building his career as a hard-running forward, linking up in plays and averaging just under a goal a game.

But this newfound responsibility suits the Dandenong Stingray product, utilising his quick feet, creativity and burst from stoppage to dominate clearance work.

On Monday, Macdonald was the Hawks' best, gathering 24 disposals, eight marks and slotting a goal from three attempts.

He combined beautifully with Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves, with the ruck pair likely to spend time together in the senior side following the increased bench space and rule change.

Co-captain Jai Newcombe and Macdonald were another combination that Sam Mitchell will be pleased with, while the hard-working Josh Ward underpins a strong starting midfield group.

All the while, Dylan Moore, Nick Watson, Conor Nash and Josh Weddle are more names that will filter through the centre bounce.

Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite got brief looks in the midfield, while Ollie Greeves has impressed in the short time he's been at the club.

Greeves may need to wait for his AFL opportunity, but he has turned heads during the summer, including assistant coach David Hale.

"At the start of the year, there will be a few guys in front of him, I think he showed a few glimpses today of what he can do... He's got to continue to work on certain things and on his strengths as well," Hale said post-match.

But it was Macdonald against the Cats that excited fans at the Kennedy Community Centre.