Seahawks hand ANU their first loss since 2019 to kick off new season

Until it wasn't.

The young Seahawks, minus Ross Hummel, Will Aiken and Kyle O'Malley, took down the highly-fancied ANU Griffins by 28 points at ANU South Oval in one of the biggest upsets in the competition over the past few years.

Billy Alves, Brett Garland, and Byron Van Dyk all kicked a pair of goals for the Seahawks, while Dylan Art and Jacob Millynn both chipped in with goals in an 8.13 (61) to 5.3 (33) win.

Mick Kenny said it was pleasing to beat a side the Seahawks hadn't conquered since their premiership year in 2018.

"I put my faith in some kids coming through the system, came up with a new game plan, and we just trusted it and jot the job done," he said.

"The game plan is different to what we've had in previous years where we were a bit too focused on Ross up forward, but because we've lost some height we've had to play a more free-flowing game, and to play that plan so well was very pleasing."

Kenny said the 2022 preseason was one of his most challenging as coach of the Seahawks, but said it was also one of the most enjoyable.

"When you're challenged, that's when you tend to enjoy it a bit more," he said.

"I've been able to tinker with the game plan a little and put faith in these guys who haven't had the opportunities the past couple of years.

"We're trying to get a bit more run off half back and through our wingers and midfield by moving the ball nice and quick.

"We've still got height up front with Brett (Garland) and Byron (Van Dyk), but we've gone a bit smaller up front."

The 'Hawks will return to Hanging Rock Oval for the first time in eight months on Saturday when they play the Ainslie Tricolours.

"It's fair to be excited with the team, but we're also not getting too far ahead of ourselves," Kenny said.

"We enjoyed the win on the weekend for what it was - it was a tough ask coming up against a team like ANU on their home ground in round one.

"The boys are all really excited to be back playing at home this weekend."