On youngsters...

“It’s great to have (Ryley Sanders) in the midfield. He definitely showed some really impressive signs but it wasn’t only him. Some of the other young guys - Harvey Gallagher got an opportunity to play in the midfield too, Sam Darcy, Luke Cleary and even Lachie McNeil down forward. It was good to see some of our younger guys get the opportunity in the first game to show what they can do.

“(We saw) the opportunity to play long periods in one position – if Bont and Ads had played in the midfield in the first game, potentially those younger guys don’t get as much time in there. It’s good to see a good chunk of time from those guys and see them play well.”

04:59

Brendon Lade | 'Good to see our younger guys get opportunities'

Assistant Coach Brendon Lade speaks to the media following the first practice match against Hawthorn.

On Darcy in the ruck...

“Reeves is a really good tap ruckman for the Hawks, so for Sam Darcy to compete against him and do well – I think he kicked three goals as well – it’s good. He’s had a great pre-season, so hopefully that keeps transferring into games.

“Darce has been training as a ruck the whole pre-season. He can obviously play forward too, but we’re just excited that he’s gotten through a full pre-season. Who knows where he will end up.”

On Coffield...

“He was impressive today down back. Pratty’s done a lot of work with him, but in saying that Nick was always a high-end talent. I think he was pick eight in his draft, so he’s definitely got some talent. Today was just an opportunity for him to come out and play again. We saw his strengths being his run and carry, a couple of intercept marks – he’ll look to build on that next week.”

On the midfield...

“I thought the whole midfield was great as a group. I could single out one or two but I think as a whole, they just worked well together and understood what each other were doing.”

On injuries...

“JOD (James O’Donnell) will go for a scan, but we’re optimistic that he will be fine. It’s just a rolled ankle that went outwards.

“Jack Macrae did match training today so he’s not far off returning to full training. He’ll have to do a full week of training before he gets considered but hopefully that is next week.”