HAWTHORN swingman Ryan Schoenmakers continued his impressive run of form against Carlton on Friday night.
Schoenmakers’ versatility was again on show, as he started up forward, before also spending time in defence in the second half after Matt Spangher was subbed out of the game with a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old tall had two goals to his name at the major break, and finished with 12 disposals, three marks and three tackles in another strong performance.
Schoenmakers said he was now confident in his ability to change roles seamlessly throughout games.
“I’ve had a lot of exposure at both ends now over the last couple of years, so it’s relatively easy (to switch mid-game),” he said.
“The mindset is I’m prepared for that, I know I’ve got to expect that some things happen in a game and I might need to change position.”
The 195-centimetre key position player has now played four consecutive AFL games – and 10 AFL games this season – and told AFL.com.au late last week that he was determined to help the club taste success over the coming years.
“I love the club and this is where I want to be,” Schoenmakers said.
“I missed out on the last couple (of premierships) so I really want to redeem myself and join my mates in some of that glory.
“There's obviously going to be people in a team like this that miss out and opportunities don't go their way, so there's always going to be that hunger and that extra drive for a few people and then obviously the team as a whole.
"It's definitely a big part (for me)."
The Hawks have now enjoyed eight wins in a row – including strong victories against Fremantle, Sydney Swans and Carlton in the past three weeks – heading into a big fortnight of football against top-four contenders Richmond and West Coast Eagles.
Schoenmakers said there was a real hunger within the group to keep performing.
“When you come with a plan and execute that plan it works out pretty well,” he said.
“We’ve had some tough opponents and the boys have been switched on and mentally we’ve just been ready to play each week.”
