HAWTHORN’S Brad Sewell says the reigning premiers will be just as hungry in their search for prey in 2009 despite many believing his side will now be a target.

Speaking after a pre-season session and clinic for junior footballers, Sewell said his side was working just as hard to uphold the lofty standards coach Alastair Clarkson set for his teammates in their all-conquering 2008 year.

“I don’t know that we’re necessarily the hunted [now],” Sewell told hawthornfc.com.au.

“Geelong were certainly the best side for most of the year [last year] and I don’t know that that’s going to change too much over summer.

“So we’re not viewing ourselves as being the hunted in that sense.

“The guys enjoyed everything that happened [regarding the grand final] but we certainly left that there and were quick to move on and re-focus.”

Despite it being early January, Friday morning’s session took on a finals-type feel as the Hawks trained in front of hundreds – perhaps 1000 – adoring fans.

Luke Hodge (shoulder), Trent Croad (foot), Xavier Ellis (hip) and Robbie Campbell (thumb) were all absent from the session as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Jordan Lewis, despite having his arm in a sling, joined the group in the 90-minute hit-out.

Headline act Lance Franklin spent most of his time close to goal. While not over-using his recovering shoulder, he moved freely and peppered the goals throughout the morning much to the delight of the crowd.

Several of Hawthorn’s new recruits were also on display, and it was this young group that Sewell hopes will help keep his side at the top of the AFL tree.

“We’ve got all the young guys who are really pushing up now,” he said.

“Our list is probably in a better position, even with those guys that are out [at the moment]. The competition for spots is certainly pretty hot.”

Sewell believes the improvement will come from the natural development of the club’s emerging youngsters as well as those already in the line-up.

Some, the rugged ballwinner said, will enter the year with extra hunger after missing their chance to stand on the premiership dais in September.

“We had quite a few guys who were quite unlucky not to be playing,” Sewell said.

“Tucky’s training well and Morts (Jarryd Morton) is training well.

“Benny McGlynn was a little bit of the forgotten man last year and he’s training the house down at the moment.”

Hawthorn plays its opening NAB Cup match against Melbourne at Aurora Stadium on February 21, and Sewell said his team wouldn’t ease itself into the new season.

“We certainly have every intention of winning every game we play,” he said.

While the fans are still glowing with their premiership success, Sewell said the players had put that memorable day behind them.

“That was quite a few months ago now and we certainly can’t afford to keep looking back on that.

“We need to keep pushing forward now and making sure we make the most of things, that we keep training well and keep preparing well.”