Hawthorn Head of Development Damian Carroll has given us an insight into his first impressions of our new draftees.

Following a week in Mooloolaba, the fresh faces have had an opportunity to bond with their new teammates as well as begin to build their reputations as players.

Here's what DC had to say:



Will Day

"Will's had a good camp. He's shown composure and we've really liked what he's been able to do with the ball. He's still being managed with his training loads throughout the camp time. He is fitting in really well with the boys as well off-field, so it has been a really solid camp for Will." - DC

Finn Maginness

"Finn's done nearly 100 per cent of the loads. He's obviously shown out in the contested drills with the midfielders. He has just been able to push through every activity and form some good bonds with the players. He came on this camp last year so he has really shown his improvements on how he can handle AFL loads at the moment in the early stages of his career." - DC

Josh Morris

"Joshy has been a little bit limited with his prep, coming in a bit sore. But he is another one who has impressed us on the track when he has been able to get the ball in his hands. He is able to make up good decisions when he has the ball going inside 50 so we're looking forward to seeing what he can do after Christmas when he can handle some stronger loads. We've eased him in more than the other guys but we noticed over the last two sessions that he was able to handle more and get a bit more volume out of the sessions, which is pleasing for him because it is hard as a first-year to be sitting out of drills." - DC

Emerson Jeka

"Emerson has impressed with his ability to lead up at the ball as our supporters would have seen on the highlights. His ability to use both feet as well has been pleasing and he has actually picked up some of our defensive principles really well which usually takes a bit of education to our first-year players. The way we defend and the way AFL teams defend is a little bit different to NAB League so he has impressed us with his ability to adapt to that part of the game so far." - DC

Harry Pepper

"Harry hasn't been able to do a lot, his ability to jump into the rehab and work on his hands has been pleasing. I think the camp for him has been about forming good relationships and bonds with the players around him, particularly in defence which will be a priority for him as he starts his career. He's probably been a bit frustrated that he hasn't been able to do a few more drills but he is certainly showing some good signs in his rehabilitation over the course of this week." - DC