With just over five weeks until their Opening Round clash against the Giants at ENGIE Stadium, Hawthorn used their training camp at Torquay to fine-tune their structure and set-up as they push to make a third consecutive finals series in 2026.
Compared to the stifling heat the Hawks endured on Tuesday, the squad was met with much cooler conditions at Deakin University grounds.
The players were put through their paces with a spirited match simulation that saw a number of young Hawks put their hand up with impressive performances that would have pleased Sam Mitchell and the coaching group.
Small forward Nick Watson starred during the match simulation, consistently losing his opponent in traffic and finding space in the forward line as he wreaked havoc on the defence.
The diminutive forward kicked a bag of goals and dazzled during the pre-season hitout, capping off his performance with a massive hanger reminiscent of one he took during last year's pre-season campaign.
About to enter his third AFL season, Watson — who was drafted with Pick 5 in the 2023 National Draft — looks ready to take his game to another level.
His fleet-footedness and ability to get into dangerous areas were on constant display and will prove a constant headache for opposition defences this season, allowing him to generate numerous opportunities in front of goal.
Young draftee Aidan Schubert continues to show promising signs for the Hawks just months after being selected in the 2025 National Draft.
The 18-year-old South Australian looked impressive during the hitout, with his leading and marking ability on full display as he took multiple marks and kicked two goals, demonstrating why the club was keen to secure his services and build its key forward depth.
With Will Day sidelined for at least the first half of the season, the Hawks' revamped midfield is starting to take shape.
Youngsters Connor MacDonald and Cam Mackenzie, both drafted as midfielders, have been unable to secure full-time spots in the middle due to the club's setup that has previously featured new co-captain Jai Newcombe and Day.
However, with a spot now available in the Hawks' engine room, both players put forth compelling cases for extended minutes through the centre.
MacDonald looked explosive with his running prowess and burst from stoppages, while Mackenzie appeared composed and was pivotal in setting up many attacking forays for his team.
Their performances suggest the midfield depth Mitchell has been cultivating may be ready to step up when called upon and help fill the massive void left behind by Day's shoulder surgery.
Fringe ruck Ned Reeves' impressive pre-season form continued as he looks to forge a formidable combination with regular starter Lloyd Meek.
With the new ruck rule being introduced in 2026, Reeves' creativity and ruck craft were on display during centre bounces and stoppages.
He also pushed forward to threaten the defence, taking a towering mark and kicking a goal that showed he could be a genuine X-factor if the club decides to deploy two rucks in their 23-man lineup during the season.
The Hawks now have a short break following their training camp before ramping up preparations in the lead-up to their Opening Round clash.
Practice matches against Geelong and the Western Bulldogs in February will give head coach Sam Mitchell and his coaching staff valuable opportunities to test combinations before selecting their squad for the opening game of their 2026 campaign, as the Hawks look to go further than they did in 2025 when they made a preliminary final.
