Tim Watson has forecasted a change in game style at Hawthorn this year.

Alastair Clarkson’s side has routinely used a methodical possession game to their advantage in previous years, but the Essendon great says Hawks fans could see quicker ball movement during the upcoming season.

“I’m hearing that they’re moving the ball a lot quicker than what they have in the past,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“That slow, deliberate movement of the ball – I’m hearing that they’ve sped it right up.”

Hawthorn named its new seven-man leadership group on Thursday, with Tom Mitchell a new addition in 2020.

The 2018 Brownlow medallist joins Jaeger O’Meara Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith, Ben McEvoy and Jack Gunston as support for captain Ben Stratton.

Watson said McEvoy’s role in the team loomed as a key storyline at Hawthorn in 2020.

“I think that’s going to be one of the more fascinating things to watch – whether or not (McEvoy) can maintain his position on the ground,” he said.