HAWTHORN veteran Shaun Burgoyne has had his best preparation leading into a season since joining the club in 2010, according to Hawks fitness coach Andrew Russell.

The 32-year-old had a slow beginning with his new club after crossing from Port Adelaide as he battled a knee injury, but he has become one of the game's best performers in recent seasons.

He has performed brilliantly in big games and was instrumental in the club's back-to-back premierships. He has also played 96 of a possible 100 games in the past four seasons.

"He has probably had his best preparation for the last few years so at this stage it is looking quite good," Russell told AFL.com.au.

Hawthorn has several champions reaching the twilight of their careers with Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, David Hale and Burgoyne all aged 30 or above.

However Russell said Hawthorn's coaching and fitness staff were more concerned with how old players felt rather than their birth date.

"We don't look at their age. We look at where they are at physically and mentally," Russell said.

"It's really important with the old guys that you work on their motivation levels."

Old being anywhere around 30 of course in football.

Russell said the club made sure experienced players did not get worn out giving them days or afternoons away from the club to remain fresh.

"When they are at the club we want them to train hard," Russell said.

He said veterans often trained at higher intensity while their volume was lowered, however he said no general rule could be applied.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson indicated a fortnight ago he was prepared to have honest conversations with senior players in the years ahead.

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