Medical room: Rick Ladson and Xavier Ellis both had hip clean-ups at the end of the year, but are progressing well. Both were on a modified program early, but have been running and will be ready to go post-Christmas. Riley Milne and Luke Lowden are both back running after nursing foot and groin injuries respectively. Josh Gibson had a shoulder clean-up but has been able to participate in all but contact drills. Max Bailey continues to train well in his return from a third knee reconstruction.
Who's burning: "What we've noticed is the progression of the kids who have been around for a year or two," football manager Mark Evans said. "In their first season or two they're on a reduced load, so when they finally get their bodies prepared for full training you really notice them. Liam Shiels, Ryan Schoenmakers, Shane Savage and Jarryd Morton have all had really good build-ups in that regard. In terms of some of the older guys Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis have had terribly good pre-seasons." Shaun Burgoyne and Lance Franklin have also reported positive strides this pre-season after being limited in recent preparations.
Draftee watch: All draftees, including those that already lived in Melbourne prior to the draft, moved in with an experienced player when they first arrived at the club in a bid to ease their introduction. Isaac Smith moved in with Jarryd Roughead for that initial period and is set to move in with SA draftee Paul Puopolo. "One of the best things with our program this year is we came out of the draft and within three days they were on a plane to New Zealand," Evans said. "They came back from that pre-season camp feeling like they'd been around forever. It really accelerates their transition into the group."
Membership: Hawthorn's tally stands at 39,228 with the overall target of 60,000 within reach, according to club officials.
After the break: The players will return to Waverley on Tuesday January 4. "You definitely focus a bit more on match preparation rather than general fitness and skills in January," Evans said. "That will continue to heighten until we get to NAB Cup."
Telstra Community Camp: The Hawks will make their annual pilgrimage to the club's southern outpost in Tasmania for its Telstra AFL Community Camp. "The way we've done it over the last few years is we break up into small groups and get out into some of the communities that don't always see AFL players," Evans said.
NAB Cup opener: February 13 v West Coast and Fremantle at Patersons Stadium. "We like to perform well in any game we go into," Evans said of the club's approach to the 2011 NAB Cup. "Going to Perth to play West Coast and Fremantle is a good chance for us to get on the road and dust off a few cobwebs. We're not really sure what sort of squad we'll take just yet, that will depend where the group is at in February, but over the last few years we've taken the approach of looking at what's best for each individual player for their preparation for round one."
What they say: "It's been a pretty solid pre-season for us. There have been some changes in the coaching staff, changes in the playing group, some changes in the program and a change of captain as well. There is a lot of energy around the place. We're pleased with the block that we've had so far and most of the players are going really well." - football manager Mark Evans.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
