LESS might be more for star Hawthorn recruit Zach Merrett as he chases an AFL premiership.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said they want the former Essendon captain to fit effectively into their team, rather than just keep racking up the big disposal numbers that have been a defining feature of his career.

In the wake of their heartbreaking preliminary final loss to Brisbane, Hawthorn recruited Merrett through the trade period at the second attempt and also brought in key forward Ben King from Gold Coast.

"Obviously, as players establish themselves in the game in the early part of their career, there's a lot of trying to get a game, and then once you get a game every week, then really it becomes about team success … team success is what drives you as you get a bit older," Mitchell said.

"It's been a work in progress to get him over to the club, and he's very firm in his sight that he wants some team success.

"So, if that means big numbers, then great, big numbers. But if it means less, then less is OK as well.

"So we'll measure it on team success, not on the individual, the same as everyone else."

Hawthorn stunned the AFL a year ago when it emerged it was trying to recruit Merrett. The Bombers then refused to strike a deal, but this time agreed to the trade.

Merrett played in four losing finals at Essendon - its last winning final famously was in 2004 - and the 31-year-old onballer wants a flag on his impressive resume.

Having made preliminary finals for the last two seasons, Hawthorn will go into next year as one of the top premiership favourites. On Wednesday, it also announced a 10-year sponsorship with car maker BYD that will eventually replace its long-running Tasmania deal.

"There's a lot of motivation going around and you don't have to look too far. You know the team is close and we've brought in some good players ... there's a lot of excitement going into next season," veteran Hawks forward Jack Gunston said.

Mitchell said King would learn plenty from Gunston in their forward line. Gunston is looking forward to having another big-marking teammate inside 50m.

"There will be competition for spots and that's a healthy thing," Gunston said.