RYAN Schoenmakers says Hawthorn's array of attacking weapons will all have to chip in to cover the loss of star big man Jarryd Roughead.

Roughead has been ruled out for the first half of the season due to a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, robbing the Hawks of arguably their most versatile player.

But promising forward Schoenmakers believes the three-time defending premiers have the options to cover for Roughead, who was deployed more through midfield last season but still kicked 50 goals.

"He's such a powerful unit, he plays up forward, he can go in the ruck, he's got a lot of great attributes and that's why he's been such a great player for so many years," Schoenmakers told RSNradio.

"He's going to be tough to replace, but we'll do our best.

"I think my role won't change too much from last year. Unfortunately Roughy going out is not great, but hopefully that will provide an opportunity for the younger guys to step up and fill that role.

"Tim O'Brien and James Sicily have had really good pre-seasons and it will be really exciting if, hopefully, one or two of them can push up and play some regular footy and get some games under their belt.

"We've all just got to chip in a bit extra and hopefully pick up where we left off from last year."

Having battled a knee reconstruction and the pain of missing out on consecutive flags, Schoenmakers was one of the feel-good stories of last year's premiership after he grabbed his chance when Jack Gunston was injured in the qualifying final.

It was just reward for the 25-year-old, who resisted trade offers at the end of 2014 to stick it out at Waverley and Schoenmakers starred in the Grand Final with 21 touches and a goal against West Coast.

The 195cm big man has finally found his best position after being trialled in defence early in his career and said he's determined to build on his success.

"I was pretty excited to get back into it (this pre-season). It felt like a short break and everything, but I was just excited to get back into everything and the body's in a good spot at the moment," Schoenmakers said.

"So I'm trying to continue that form, I don’t want to just leave it at that. I want to pick up from there and keep improving.

"My body was in better shape towards the end of the season just gone (than the previous season), so I was more confident in myself and when I got my opportunity at AFL level I was so determined to take that.

"I think that drove me for the last couple of games and playing a good couple of finals leading into the Grand Final just filled me with a bit of confidence."

Schoenmakers said there was no hint of complacency at Hawthorn despite their success, with Alastair Clarkson's men facing the chance to become just the second-team ever to win four-straight flags.

"I don't think that's really an issue at this club," said the 95-game veteran.

"We know that's something that can creep in, and with the success we've had we know you can't afford to do that, you've got to move forward. The game doesn't wait for anyone."