The Hawks have signed former Mulgrave forward Sam Zikman and former St Mary's VAFA player Karl Schoenmaekers.

Hawks coach Mick Gaul said his club was still in the market to improve its squad.

"We will be setting the bar at making the finals this year," he said. "We have been looking at blokes who complement our existing players.

"In my opinion and that of others we could have gone up to division 3 with our existing side and been quite competitive because we were one of the bigger-bodied sides in division 4.

"Our club is looking for the right type of player and not necessarily someone who has to have higher division experience."

Gaul was also proud that his core players had all returned for season 2012.

"It's testament to the club as opposed to me as coach," he said.