HAWTHORN will unveil its 2014 premiership flag prior to the blockbuster Easter Monday clash against Geelong, and the Cats are planning to use the occasion as motivation for the season ahead.
Asked how he will feel about seeing the Hawks' flag flying at the MCG, Steve Johnson told CatsTV: "That'll hurt a bit. It always does. You never like seeing anyone unveil the flag if it's not you.
"But I guess it's motivation for us to hopefully do it 12 months later."
Johnson is "very excited" about the clash with Hawthorn.
"As everyone's probably said in the media, it's a long pre-season and a lot of hard work," the three-time premiership player added.
"But you play footy to get around to the games, and I can't think of a better place to start our footy than at the MCG against last year's premiers.
"It's going to be a massive challenge for us and we're all looking forward to it."
Star forward Tom Hawkins is adamant that Geelong fans should roll up at the 'G on Monday with plenty of confidence that their team can start the season with a win.
"I think we're a good shot," he said. "I think they should be excited. We've got an exciting list and we're just looking forward to playing.
"It's been a long pre-season and we can't wait to get out there and show everyone what we've been training so hard at for the last four months.
"It will be fun."
Cats vice-captain Harry Taylor will also take an upbeat mindset into Monday's game.
"It's always a big challenge when you play Hawthorn, particularly when they've just won the flag," Taylor said.
"So I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be a really exciting game and I can't wait to get out there."
Small defender Jed Bews is likely to line up against the Hawks, although the team won't be finalised until Saturday.
If Bews does play, he'll have a big challenge on his hands keeping players like Luke Breust, Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo in check.
"I guess there's always going to be someone tough in every opposition, but certainly the Hawks have got a few small forwards that if you give them a chance they can make the most of it," he said.
"But I'm just looking forward to playing, hopefully, on the MCG. It would be nice."
