With just over seven weeks until Hawthorn’s Round 0 clash against the Swans, the atmosphere was electric and the players crashed in, all wanting to display to the selection committee that they deserve to be in contention.
The players participated in four quarters of ten minute matchplay in a display that had Hawks fans in attendance optimistic about the teams chances this year.
Here are five key takeaways from today’s AFL umpired match simulation.
Daysy In the Forward Line
Hawthorn fans know how smooth of a mover Will Day is, but the prospect of him resting forward will offer the side another element in 2025.
Starting at times in the forward line, Day reaked havoc with his ability to use his frame, as well as his silky skills, to be able to generate plays.
He was uber-clean with the ball, and when moved into the midfield after half time, he was simply a class above, making the right decision time and time again whilst consistently getting the ball into dangerous areas for his team.
After missing the back end of the year with a serious collarbone injury, Day is salivating at the prospect of his side continuing to climb up the ladder in 2025, and he looks ready to take yet another step into becoming a bona-fide superstar of the competition.
Jarman’s Dash From The Back
During the four quarters of match simulation that were played, Jarman Impey provided his usual run and dash in the backline that will be crucial for the sides fortunes this year.
With James Sicily and Josh Battle watching on, Impey played a pivotal role in the backline, playing as a small defender before using his run and bounce to break lines and create attacking waves.
He was also involved in making a crucial tackle on a rampaging Blake Hardwick which stopped a certain goal and showed his toughness in defence.
Impey, who will miss the practice match against Geelong due to being selected in the Indigenous All Stars team, made every post a winner in an excellent display that shows that he is ready to continue his 2024 form that saw him placed 3rd in the Peter Crimmins Medal.
Wizardry In Full Motion
Nick Watson has come back to pre-season training flying and ready to leave his mark on the AFL competition in his second season.
Watson previously had his training load managed and was watching on when the match simulations took place last week, however his time on the sidelines clearly had Watson ready to show that he will once again be a pivotal part of the Hawthorn forward line.
His work rate was first class, finding his way up the ground and acting as a key link player, whilst also being creative in his ability to bring team mates into the game.
Additionally, Watson took a very early contender for mark of the 2025 season over Seamus Mitchell, who was forced to look on helplessly as “The Wizard” reeled in the football with only one hand.
The teenager capped off the session with a couple of goals for good measure, and will no doubt prove to be a handful for opposition defenders in 2025 and beyond.
Mr Consistent Puts His Hand Up
Harry Morrison is one of the players on the Hawks list who goes about playing his role perfectly each and every time he plays.
Having notched his 100th game in Hawks colours last year, Morrison once again featured heavily throughout the spirited Hawks match simulation.
Playing his usual wing role matched up against Finn Maginness, Morrison displayed the immense work rate that fans have become so familiar with, whilst also sprinkling in a few acts of simple brilliance that often get overlooked on gameday.
He also highlighted his versatility by assisting deep in defence before then becoming a threat with the ball going forward; ultimately capped off when he roved a Ned Reeves tap in the forward line and curled through a lovely snap.
Forward Line Cohesion
A glimpse of what a potential Hawks forward line come Round 0 was on display in the second half of today’s match simulation.
With Jack Ginnivan watching on after playing the first half, the forward line of Blake Hardwick, Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston, Max Ramsden, Connor MacDonald and Nick Watson showed just how potent and multi-faceted the Hawks will be in 2025.
Gunston’s smarts have not faded, leading beautifully and helping to set up goals for fun, while Hardwick, who kicked multiple goals, offered a toughness and hard edge that will complement the forward line nicely.
Max Ramsden was also able to continue his good run of form this pre-season, as the obvious size and strength gained over multiple AFL seasons has him in good stead to stamp down a consistent spot within the side. His growth as a player was on full display during a delightful play where he spoiled a Jack Scrimshaw mark, gathered, and then speared a left foot kick to Chol, who then kicked to a running Hardwick for the easiest of team goals.
Connor MacDonald looked back at home in the second half, after earlier playing some time on the wing. Croc’s work rate and ability to hit a target going forward will continue to be important for the team as they look to excite fans with their scoring prowess this year.
The team will continue to ramp up their preparation for the start of the 2025 AFL season next week when they head to Torquay for their training camp, where they will continue to fine tune their game plan ahead of the practice match against Geelong on February 17th.
