Two Hawthorn gamers went at it in a “little punch-on” on the Hawks’ pre-season coaching camp in Morwell, however the membership’s younger leaders declare the altercation was all a part of the plan for 2023.
Sam Butler and James Sicily reportedly locked horns throughout a match sim session on Thursday because the Hawks drilled down on their quick and aggressive model of soccer.
Enjoying a return to the Morwell membership the place he performed his junior footy, Changkuoth Jiath stated teammates weren’t uncomfortable after seeing their seemingly captain’s tiff with Butler.
“It’s just the competitive nature here at the Hawks; it’s something that we’re really trying to develop – just playing really hard and attacking footy,” Jiath stated.
“Being really physical, it’s an identity we’re starting to form here at training.
“We’re not going to take it outside of training, obviously, but it’s just something that we’re really starting to bring into our game a lot more … and it’s good to have a little punch-on every now and then,” he stated with a smile.
Jiath stated he was embracing his new-found seniority on the membership, along with his 37 video games making him the 14th most skilled participant on the Hawks’ checklist following an low season which noticed the departure of Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels and Jack Gunston together with midfield duo Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara.
“I don’t feel the pressure; it’s just something I’ve always wanted to develop as a kid, filling that leadership role, seeing as though I’m obviously one of the older guys now,” he stated.
“I’m starting to form a really good identity in speaking up and leading the backline group as well.”
Jai Newcombe, who grew up in Poowong, 45 minutes’ drive from the Hawks’ camp, stated he was additionally unfazed by his new duty because the chief of the on-ball brigade.
“(The responsibility) sits pretty comfortably; I think we’ve got a good range of guys in there that are more than happy to take that load,” Newcombe stated.
Asked whether or not he and Jiath would run for spots in Hawthorn’s management group for 2023, Newcombe stated they’d “love to be putting their hands up” however wouldn’t be making an attempt to “force” something.
The new Hawks’ no. 3 stated he was stunned to see so many youngsters carrying his former no. 44 guernsey at coaching in Morwell.
“There’s a bit of guilt there,” he stated.
“I’ve had a look at a bit of vision every now and then and I’m pretty happy with how (the new number) looks on the back.”
Pick 18 Josh Weddle continued to impress on the observe in Morwell, after he gained the membership’s 4 consecutive one kilometre time trials in January.
“He’s a hard working guy – I think he’s going to be really special for us,” Jiath stated.
Source: www.news.com.au
