"The easiest thing for them is already done – they actually got drafted – but now it gets really tough," Hughes said from Visy Park.
Chris Yarran, Mitch Robinson, Rhys O'Keefe and Caleb Tiller were introduced to the media before travelling down to Anglesea where their new teammates are taking part in a grueling week-long training camp.
The newest Blues will be introduced to the group but will not take part in the camp, with Hughes asserting they must first undergo extensive physical testing by the clubs medical staff before their pre-season campaigns can begin in earnest on Monday.
Yarran, who broke a bone in his hand during a boxing drill the day before the draft, is already drawing comparisons to fellow indigenous livewire Cyril Rioli. But Hughes maintained it was unfair to expect the same sort of impact from the Perth lad.
"If he did I'd be the happiest recruiting manager having selected him, but we won't be putting that sort of expectation on him," he said.
"He's certainly a similar player in relation to the way he plays in the forward line and I think, like Cyril, he'll develop into a midfielder.
"He had 70 shots on goal in 13 games for Swan Districts this year and he kicked 39 goals. He adds to our forward line and makes us more dangerous. When he's aerobically stronger we would think that he'll push into the midfield."
Hughes re-affirmed the club's desire to take ex-Demon Chris Johnson in the December 16 pre-season draft and remains quietly confident he will still be available come the Blues' fourth overall pick.
"If he's available when we pick he certainly will be [selected]," he said.
"A couple of clubs pick before us and they've suggested that they won't be selecting him, but you never know when things can change like that. If he's there we'll be bringing him in as well."
