After just six wins in 2019, not too many people are expecting the Hawks to trouble the Murray Football League’s top sides this year.
But it must be remembered five of their losses the last time they played were by three goals or less.
Despite a year away from the field, Hargreaves said he had already seen plenty of development from the club’s younger players during pre-season.
“On paper we’re very pleased with the list we’ve been able to put together so far,” Hargreaves said.
“We’re not going to shy away from the fact we want to play finals this season because everyone wants to be involved at the pointy end of the season.
“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re going to break our season down into blocks. After our first four games we will sit down and reassess where we are at.
“It’s important we continue to be open and honest with our group about where we want to go.”
Hawks supporters have every right to get excited about the signings Hargreaves and his coaching staff have been able to make this season.
Those include former Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs big man Jackson Trengove and Daniel Johnson, who has played with Norwood in the SANFL.
While Tom Thorsen arrives from Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley League.
“All of the new guys have been excellent on the track,” Hargreaves said.
“Having played at a higher level they’ve all been able to offer us different ideas which is only going to make us better as a playing group.
“Then you see Jackson taking on an off-field role as a junior development officer shows how much these guys are buying into the club.
“The three of them also offer us a bit more height which will make us less predictable to opposition sides.
“We’ve also been lucky enough to welcome back a few local guys who can’t wait to get stuck into it.”
Fast facts
Coach: Tim Hargreaves. MFL premierships: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997. 2019 finish: 10th (6-12). 2019 best and fairest: Ricky Thomson. 2019 leading goal-kicker: Lucas Olson (27). Ground: Barooga Recreation Reserve. Nickname: Hawks.
In: Tom Thorsen, Jackson Trengove, Daniel Johnson, Max Mackay, Billy Andrews.
Out: Ricky Thomson, Nicholas Sim, Lucas Olson (Yarroweyah), Brad Oats, Dwayne Wilson.
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