HAWTHORN recruit Jonathan Simpkin says he can add another dimension to the Hawks midfield because of his ability to be used in a variety of roles.
Simpkin signed with the Hawks as a Delisted Free Agent in November, after being cut by the Cats at the end of the 2012 season.
A strong bodied midfielder who has played just four matches at AFL level, Simpkin adds to the Club’s already strong engine room but hopes to add more than just midfield depth.
“I can play in a variety of different roles – I can play up forward, in the midfield and on a wing as well,” Simpkin told hawthornfc.com.au
“Hopefully I can offer a bit of flexibility and variety to the Club and they can throw me in a few different positions, a few different roles if need be.”
The Hawks swooped on the 25 year old goal kicking midfielder when the Delisted Free Agency period began back in November last year.
Simpkin says his ability to hit the scoreboard is one of his strengths but reveals he’s got a few more strings to his bow.
“I’m a goal kicking midfielder who can play inside at the contest as well,” he said.
“It’s always good to hit the scoreboard as much as you can and hopefully I can get on the end of a few this year and kick a few goals.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to kick a few goals in the past so I suppose that is a strength and it’s certainly something I’ll be working on and hopefully take that into games.
“Hopefully I can get the opportunity to play a few games this year and show what I can do.”
The former Cat reveals though, kicking goals hasn’t been his focus in the opening two weeks of the NAB Cup.
Simpkin has spent the majority of his time shadowing gun Hawks midfielder Sam Mitchell, who has acted as a type of mentor to the midfielder and whose influence could prove critical in developing Simpkin's in and under ball winning ability.
Thus, the strong bodied 181cm midfielder says it has been his ability to pressure the opposition and lay tackles that has been the focus heading into the season proper.
“The tackling pressure, that is the main focus going into games and putting all sorts of pressure on the opposition. If I can keep that up then I’ll be happy,” he said.
His tackling pressure has impressed the Hawks coaching staff, with Assistant Coach Brendon Bolton revealing his attack on the man and the ball has been a standout.
The Hawks coaching group hope he can add another dimension and flexibility to the midfield.
“One thing about Jonathan is he can play multiple roles, he can play forward, he can play on a wing and he can play as an inside midfielder,” Bolton told hawthornfc.com.au
“His attack on the ball and the opposition has been first class so far - that’s his way of earning respect and I think he’ll continue to develop like that.”
