The second week of pre-season training following the Christmas break brought welcome news for Hawthorn, with star midfielder Will Day rejoining the main squad after spending the entire off-season in rehabilitation.
The 24-year-old is recovering from a severe navicular injury that prematurely ended his 2025 campaign and forced him to watch from the sidelines as the Hawks surged to a preliminary final.
Day made his presence felt immediately, delivering a thunderous tackle on Hawthorn's new head of development Daniel Giansiracusa early into the session.
The tackle drew roaring approval from his teammates, signalling that one of the club's spiritual leaders is ready to make an impact this year.
However, Day sat out the subsequent 10-minute match simulation, observing from the sidelines as another young midfielder stole the spotlight.
Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants at University of Tasmania Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
Connor MacDonald, transitioning into a full-time midfield role for the first time this pre-season, dominated the centre of the ground in a performance that should ease any concerns about Hawthorn's engine room following the failed pursuit of Essendon captain Zach Merrett and the departure of experienced midfielder James Worpel to Geelong.
The fifth-year Hawk exploded through clearances with excellent service from ruckman Lloyd Meek, consistently setting up attacking opportunities for his team.
MacDonald's influence extended beyond his playmaking ability. He capped off an outstanding display with a spectacular running goal that will have Hawks fans eagerly anticipating his ability to break games open this season.
He received strong support from 2024 Peter Crimmins medallist Jai Newcombe, who also hit the scoreboard after taking a powerful contested mark in the forward line.
Newcombe is poised for another influential campaign as the Hawks push toward their first premiership since 2015.
In the forward line, veteran Jack Gunston and key target Mitch Lewis looked sharp despite the defensive efforts of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.
The 34-year-old Gunston, coming off a stellar 2025 season that saw him claim the club's best and fairest, led the goalkicking with 73 majors from 23 games and earned his second All-Australian selection, appears ready to replicate that form.
For Lewis, who has managed just 12 appearances over the past two seasons due to knee problems, his strong pre-season showing suggests he has put those injury concerns behind him.
Mabior Chol was absent from the match simulation and training due to illness.
Young forward Calsher Dear demonstrated the benefits of his added bulk, using his strengthened frame to outmuscle opponents and take contested marks that should become a trademark of his play this year.
Meanwhile, SSP trialist Flynn Perez continued to impress in defence, showcasing clean disposal out of the backline and sharp decision-making in transition.
His toughness was also on display when he executed a crucial tackle on a much larger opponent to prevent a scoring opportunity.
Earlier in the session, both Nick Watson and Josh Weddle showed they are ready to contribute significantly as Hawthorn attempts to close the gap on reigning back-to-back premiers Brisbane.
Watson was electric in the forward line, buzzing between contests and creating opportunities whenever he touched the ball.
Weddle, who is training more extensively with the midfield group this pre-season, used his pace and endurance to make multiple penetrating runs through the centre that opened up scoring chances.
Captain James Sicily remains sidelined from contact drills as he recovers from shoulder surgery, spending time running laps.
The skipper is targeting a return to full training within the next fortnight, with the club optimistic he will rejoin the main group following their three-day camp in Torquay.
The session wasn't without setbacks, as young forwards Will McCabe and Cameron Nairn remained in the rehabilitation group managing back issues, while Henry Hustwaite was withdrawn from most training activities after experiencing back spasms.
