The Sydney Swans kick off their 2025 campaign at the SCG tonight against one of the most improved teams of last year, Hawthorn.

New Swans coach Dean Cox will go head-to-head with Hawks boss Sam Mitchell, in a match which could shape the season for the victors.

The Hawks are coming off an 11-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in their AAMI Community series match in Launceston, while the Swans defeated Gold Coast by 21-points.

The Swans welcome Tom Hanily and former Saint Ben Paton who will make their debut in the red and white, while for the Hawks highly touted recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle will pull on the yellow and brown for the first time.

The last time these two sides met was back in Round 7, 2024, and on that occasion with Swans prevailed by 76 points at the MCG. Nick Blakey collected 30 disposals on that day, while Logan McDonald and Isaac Heeney booted three goals apiece. For the Hawks, Dylan Moore was among their best with 25 disposals.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said despite a finals appearance in 2024, they must improve to take it up to the best teams in the competition.

“We didn’t finish that well last year, we’ve got a huge amount of improvements (left) in lots of parts of our game,” Mitchell said.

“I think our consistency quarter to quarter, our close-game scenario needs to improve, we’ve got a heap of things we need to get better at.

“We finished sixth but this year we’re equal 18th or equal first depending (on) if you’re a glass half full or empty.

“I didn’t think there was a shortage of things we could improve this pre-season,” Mitchell said.

First bounce on Friday night SCG is 7.40pm.