The Hawks drafted Bruce with pick five in Tuesday's pre-season draft after he walked out on Melbourne at the end of last season.
With 224 games to his name, Bruce is very much in the twilight of his career, but he says he has long-term plans with the Hawks.
"Hopefully I have got quite a few years left in me," Bruce said on Tuesday afternoon just hours after he officially became a Hawk.
"I'm pretty fit and pretty confident in my body being able to cope.
"From now it is a year-by-year proposition but I'm confident I've got quite a few years left."
Bruce said the change of clubs had reinvigorated him and he was itching to take the field in the brown and gold.
"I've been fortunate enough to have trained down here for a couple of weeks and I've got to know the guys and I'm really enjoying it," he said.
"To finally be formalised as a Hawthorn player is very exciting and it is amazing how excited I am about getting out there, putting on the jumper and trying to help this team achieve success."
Bruce said he sought a change after a bit of uncertainty about his future with the Demons.
He said he was not confident of his place in the Melbourne team with a tendency towards playing younger players at the expense of seeing more experienced players this year.
Melbourne captain James McDonald was forced to retire this year, while forward Brad Miller only had limited opportunities despite strong VFL form.
"It was the major reason for the decision," Bruce said. "The lack of confidence started to affect my thought processes and that was the reason for the change."
Bruce had nothing but praise for his former side but said the time was right for him to pursue a fresh start.
"I had a fair bit of time to think about it and came up with this. I am excited about the new opportunity and it is amazing what a change can do," he said.
"I've been at Melbourne for 13 years and to come here with a renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the game is something that I am looking forward to."
