Hawks bringing back biff

TWO Hawthorn players went at it in a “little punch-on” at the Hawks’ pre-season training camp in Morwell, but their young leaders say the altercation was all part of the plan for 2023.

Sam Butler and James Sicily reportedly locked horns during match sim on Thursday as the Hawks drilled down on their fast and aggressive brand of football.

Enjoying a return to the Morwell Football Netball Club where he played his junior footy, Changkuoth Jiath said teammates were not uncomfortable after seeing their likely 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 and just playing really hard and attacking footy,” Jiath said.

“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 punchon every now and then,” he said with a smile.

Jiath said he was embracing his new-found seniority at the club, with his 37 games making him the 14th most experienced player on the Hawks’ list following an off-season which saw the departure of Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels and Jack Gunston along 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 obviously being one of the older guys now,” he said. “I’m starting to form a really good identity in speaking up and leading the backline group as well.”

Jai Newcombe said he was also unfazed by his new responsibility as the leader 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.”