Billy Hartung has out-performed his fellow young guns on the training track, earning him a spot in Hawthorn’s squad for Thursday’s opening NAB Challenge clash.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says Hartung has thrived in the tough environment of pre-season training for the defending premiers.
Hartung is a 177cm running machine from Victoria’s Dandenong Stingrays who broke the beep-test record at the AFL Combine in October 2013.
The 19-year-old was taken at pick No.24 by the Hawks in the 2013 draft, while the defending premiers have also recruited 19-year-old Victorian James Sicily (pick 56) and exciting small forward Dayle Garlett, 20, from Western Australia (pick 38).
Garlett was overlooked by AFL clubs in the 2012 draft because of perceived problems with his attitude.
Clarkson says all young recruits come to the AFL ranks with a lot to learn and this takes time.
“Billy Hartung has probably done the most of the training,” Clarkson told reporters on Wednesday after naming Hawthorn’s squad for their clash with the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.
“That’s why he gets his chance.
“Billy Hartung has been able to come in and cope with all the demands of training we’ve been able to put towards him.
“He’s flourished with the amount of training that he’s been able to do.
“James Sicily and Dayle Garlett are probably a little bit behind him in terms of their preparation.”
Alex Woodward and Matt Suckling are set for their comeback games for the Hawks after suffering knee injuries during the 2013 pre-season.
The match heralds a new era for the Hawks who begin life without star forward Lance Franklin, who has joined Sydney.
Former St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy will begin his new football career with the Hawks who have lost their 2013 premiership big man Max Bailey due to retirement.
New Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch has rested all his big-name players apart from vice-captain Tom Rockliff.
The Lions have named a 29-man squad which features 24 players with less than 50 senior games’ experience.
Geelong’s 2011 premiership ruckman Trent West will line up for his new club the Lions.
