Sunday Territorian

Hawks’ eye on repeat

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HAWTHORN players have avoided a premiershi­p hangover, returning to pre-season training fit and focused on back- to- back flags, young midfielder Alex Woodward says.

Woodward, recovering from his second anterior cruciate ligament rupture, is building back towards full training as he seeks his first game of football in two years.

Joining teammates on the club’s pre-Christmas training camp in South Africa, the 20- year- old observed a genuine hunger for repeat success.

‘‘ I think everyone is really motivated about trying to go back-to-back next season,’’ Woodward said.

‘‘ We’ve been a really focused group throughout the pre-season so far.

‘‘We’ve gotten the most out of ourselves, and we’ve really pushed ourselves hard. We’ve got that goal in mind that we do want to win another premiershi­p, and the boys have done really well.’’

For Woodward, along with fellow knee victims Matt Suckling, Ryan Schoenmake­rs and Brendan Whitecross, the motivation is different.

All four suffered the disappoint­ment of watching on through September, and desperatel­y crave a chance to experience the glory their teammates did.

 ?? Picture: JUSTIN SANSON ?? St Marys midfielder Jarred Ilett gives it all he’s got against Waratahs earlier this season
Picture: JUSTIN SANSON St Marys midfielder Jarred Ilett gives it all he’s got against Waratahs earlier this season

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