Why star believes Hawks will handle target on their backs

As second favourites to win the flag, Hawthorn has lost the ‘surprise packet’ factor of last year. But one of their stars is adamant they can handle heightened expectations.

MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. April 20 , 2024. AFL Round 6. North Melbourne vs Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium. Harry Morrison of the Hawks during the 2nd qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Hawthorn utility Harry Morrison is adamant the reborn Hawks are well equipped to handle the massive target on their backs after their surprise resurgence last season.

Morrison said an honest team chat after a 53-point loss on the Gold Coast, which saw them slump to 0-5 helped transform them into the contested ball beast which advanced to the second week of finals.

But the 26-year-old knows their irresistible surge has ensured they’re no longer a surprise packet.

He feels their exciting and brash youngsters, combined with some hardened leaders, is the ideal blend to handle the heightened expectations of being the second flag favourite with bookies.

“That was the beauty of last year, playing with no real outside pressure or expectation of performance,” Morrison said.

“We didn’t go into too many games as the favourite, but I think definitely this year the script will change and we will have that pressure on us.

Harry Morrison in action for Hawthorn. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“I think we’re in a good position to deal with that. We’ve got enough key leaders and experienced guys to lead the way, and the youth of the group can drive the energy and fun.

“It’s a great balance to have.”

The Hawks play Western Bulldogs in a pre-season clash at Launceston on Thursday night.

After defeating the Bulldogs in the first week of last year’s finals they were favourites to topple Port Adelaide on the road, but lost by three points.

Morrison said the group reviewed that shattering defeat immediately instead of stewing over it through summer.

“It was important to review it. If we had put it to the side and let things slide I’m not sure we’d be in as good a position now,” he said.

“We reviewed it in quite good detail just to put it to bed, and not carry it into this year. The best thing for us is to remember that feeling, and have a bit of fire in the belly for this year.

“Our aim is to go deep in September, that’s when everyone wants to play.”

Although he didn’t play in the Gold Coast clash, Morrison said the players met and vowed to change their mindset and attack on the game.

Harry Morrison of the Hawks high fives fans. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“It was a little bit like that, bring your mouthguards to training and train with a bit of an edge,” he said.

“It’s funny how you play the way you train. We made a couple of changes to our game plan and our thinking, and it paid off.

“To play an exciting brand of footy we like to, you need your hands on it, and our defence is built around pressure and getting the ball back as quick as possible.

“Getting back to that toughness was key to how we went in the back end of the season.”

The inclusion of key recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle will only add to Hawthorn’s depth this year.

“We want to keep evolving our game plan. Another year with Sam (Mitchell) as coach and guys playing more together,” Morrison said.

“We’ve still got a young list, but backed up by some experienced inclusions. Even those guys coming into the side, game time will only help them as well.”

The Hawks recently announced they have extended their deal to play four games a year at Launceston until the end of 2027.

Tasmania’s AFL side is scheduled to enter the league in 2028, and Morrison said the Hawks players were rapt to continue playing at a ground where they’ve dominated.

“We love it, we win maybe 75 per cent of the games we play there which is a great record,” he said.

Harry Morrison. Photo by Michael Klein.

“We see it as a real competitive advantage going down there. We love Tassie is getting its own side though because the supporter base down there is terrific.

“The new team coming in will just reinvigorate the state and be super for it.

“They’re a footy state, and they love it. It would be super if we can play them down there.”

Morrison, who played 12 of his 103 AFL games last year, said Mitchell’s personal skills have been the biggest reason behind his coaching evolvement entering his fourth season.

“It’s not a one size fits all with Sam. How he coaches me is different to how he coaches Jai Newcombe, or Conor Nash,” Morrison said.

“Knowing guys on an individual level helps him get the best out of them. His personal skills are terrific and that helps him as a coach.”

Thursday’s practice clash begins at UTAS Stadium at 5.20pm.