If every Hawthorn player has taken the same fanatical approach to pre-season training as midfield enforcer Jordan Lewis has then expect the Hawks to quickly revert back to their dominance of 2008 when the new AFL season kicks off this weekend.

The surprise 2008 premiers became the first defending champions to miss the finals the following season since Adelaide in 1999 and enter 2010 as arguably the team with the most to prove.

But as the Hawks prepare for their opening NAB Cup match against Richmond in Launceston on Saturday night, the team will begin its 2010 campaign in far better shape injury wise than it did last season.

While several Hawks stars went into last season still 'banged up' following their gruelling 2008 season - this year the club begins its campaign with virtually a full list to pick from other than boom recruit Shaun Burgoyne and exciting goalsneak Cyril Rioli.

Burgoyne is still recovering from knee surgery while Rioli is battling hip soreness - but is expected to be right for the start of the home and away season - but other than that expect the Hawks big guns to all be on the field against the Tigers on Saturday night.

Lewis, who has lost a staggering 7kg since the end of last season, says there is a new-found determination at the club to make amends for last year and the rugged midfielder has certainly led the way with his attitude to pre-season training.

"I didn't go out at the start of pre-season to lose this much weight," he said on Wednesday.

"It just so happens that I did but I am feeling great going into the season."

While there are many who believe the Hawks will again emerge as the biggest challengers to reigning premiers Geelong this season, Lewis is loathe to make any big predictions following the disappointment of last year.

"Definitely every guy that was on the list last year was very disappointed with how it played out to only win nine games, after winning the premiership in 2008," he said.

"But this year is not about revenge, it's just about getting that hunger back that we got over pre-season and hopefully having a successful year."

Despite their powerful credentials, Lewis said the Hawks have not set any higher goals other than just making the top eight in season 2010.

"Definitely any side that finished outside the top eight wants to prove that this is not the real side they are and our main aim this year is to play finals and if we don't play finals then we will have let ourselves down again."

"But getting everyone up (and fit) at this time of year is fantastic because in previous years we have had a few guys missing through injury and surgery but this year we have got everyone up firing and ready to go."