Most teams had a number players who were playing their first game of Australian football and many showed great potential.

Once these players adapt to the peculiarities of the oval shaped ball and field, acquire basic hand and foot skills and develop the confidence to play one-on-one football, another great season beckons for the Hawks.

Guided by first year coach Nicole Naranjo, the under-10s won a nail-biter against the Lions.

In his first game for the Hawks, Eric Mell tackled strongly in the frantic last quarter and Zac Ottoson's two quick goals in the third quarter made the difference.

Teamwork and good handball skills were on show when Thomas Conway kicked the Hawks first goal in the under-11s clash with the Swans.

This set the tone for the rest of the game and, although the Hawks were not able to win enough of the ball to match the Swans, their performance pleased coach Andrew Bermingham.

Irving Giles was one of several Hawks who played tight and close throughout the game.

The under-12s continued the good form displayed at the end of last season, and their coach Mark Scott was delighted with the form of all the first-gamers. Riley Watson’s six-pointer started with a winning centre tap by Jesse Dunn to Gareth Maples.

Maples sent the ball downfield via Liliana Azara and Eric McIntyre to the goal square where Watson took a “front of the pack” chest mark.

This was a great example of the team play the coach is developing in the group.

There were several first-gamers in the under-15 squad as well as several members of last year’s premiership winning combination.

Unfortunately they found the Tigers in red hot form.

Pete Sweegers made a conspicuous return to the Hawks after a year in Western Australia and he was well supported by new players Rhys McDonald and Ben Kolster.

Luckily the Hawks have a very experienced coach in Steve Lowe and he will be working hard to build up the confidence level in the players new to the game.

The under-13s were too strong for the Tigers on a day where the blustery conditions made accurate kicking very difficult.

Tim Coenan, one of several Hawks who were playing up a grade, did a great job in the ruck and the team is shaping up well for another successful season.

The under-9s also scored a first-up victory.

The Auskick centres at Bowral [Tuesday] and Moss Vale [Friday] kick off this week and these players helped the club smash the previous record of registrations set in 2007.