Facing former club Port Adelaide isn't as big a deal for Karl Amon this year.
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The Hawthorn defender left Port at the end of the 2022 season - then was on the wrong end of a 55-point away loss to his former club last year.
As he prepares for his second return to Adelaide Oval on Sunday, Amon, 28, feels more settled and ready to tackle it.
"It's gonna be fun," Amon told AAP.
"They're in good form and obviously had a good win on the weekend (against Geelong).
"We're in a really good position to go over and give it a good hot crack. Obviously, they play Adelaide Oval very well. So we're gonna go back and hopefully put in a better performance than last year."
While last year's game had allowed Amon a reunion of sorts with his former teammates, this time he says he can "probably focus on the game more than the story".
"It's gonna be a great test but I think we've built some good confidence over the last month and I'm keen to show our footy over there," he said.
Amon has thrived with a move to defence, averaging 21.6 disposals and five rebound-50s as the Hawks have steadied somewhat to 3-6, winning three of their past four matches.
"Being one of the older boys, I'm just trying to pride myself on consistency," he said.
"I've moved to halfback this year, which is something fresh for me, which is good and a new challenge. I'm thoroughly enjoying that.
"The more wins that we get, the more confidence we'll have, and the better football that we'll play. It's been an enjoyable last month, especially."
Amon has relished life at Hawthorn with fellow Indigenous ex-Port Adelaide players Jarman Impey and Chad Wingard.
"I've obviously got a rich history with them," Amon said.
"I've known Jarman since I was 15, going through the Flying Boomerangs program.
"So, really special bonds with those boys."
Impey will captain the Hawks in Sir Doug Nicholls Round in James Sicily's injury-enforced absence.
He will follow in the footsteps of Hawthorn great Chance Bateman, who was the first Indigenous player to captain the club in 2007.
Bateman also inspired the Hawks' Indigenous guernsey, designed by artist Jade Dolman.
"I'm really proud to play in it," Amon, a Noonuccal man, said.
"It's just a celebration of the Indigenous people in the game and the ones before us.
"To celebrate our culture as a whole, it's really special."
Hawthorn welcome back defender Changkuoth Jiath from injury, while Mabior Chol returns from suspension and Ethan Phillips will debut.
Jack Scrimshaw (suspended), Jack Gunston (managed) and Finn Maginness (omitted) drop out.
Port Adelaide haven't risked skipper Connor Rozee (hamstring) but regain Jase Burgoyne, with Francis Evans dropped.
Australian Associated Press
