But that's also the task the experienced coach has signed on for by penning a three-year deal with the Hawks.

Jansz, who has previously coached Camberwell Magpies and Frankston Peninsula, said he knew what he was in for when he signed on with the Hawks, who won only a handful of games across four teams last season.

"The enormity of the challenge is part of what got me here," he said.

"I had a fair few people saying 'no, no, don't do it', but that's part of human nature, saying 'why can't I do it?'

"I'm a passionate cricket tragic. It's in my blood. This is another challenge and I couldn't resist."

Jansz will lead a much-changed Hawks first XI into this season. Senior players leaving the club include Dale Tormey, Ben Cookson, Rodney Bird, Lukas Hoogenboom, Josh Henry and Elias Karageorgiou.

In their place the Hawks have landed former English county batsman David Alleyne, joining the club as a keeper-batsman and batting coach.

The Hawks have also signed former Australian under-19 captain Kumar Sarna, former Tasmania-based fast bowler David Kingston and former Oakleigh sub-district quick Alex Jones. Former Sri Lankan Test bowler Saliya Ahangama has signed on as bowling coach.

Alleyne and Ahangama have both signed two-year deals with the club.

Jansz said he expected the Hawks to be much more competitive this season and challenge for the finals in the following two seasons. "This season will be an assessment year," he said.

"I haven't seen the Hawks play for three or four seasons, so I'm coming in with a untarnished view of the players and will judge them on their performances."

Jansz said the Hawks would be put through a gruelling pre-season based on fitness work.

"I think the boys won't know what has hit them once training starts."