Howe shines in NAB Challenge opener

YOUNG gun Daniel Howe put his best foot forward for senior selection with a strong performance in Hawthorn’s NAB Challenge opener against Carlton in Launceston on Thursday night.

The versatile 20-year-old collected 23 disposals and 12 marks in the Hawks’ 21-point win over the Blues.

“I was a bit jittery at the start, but I thought I worked into the game alright, got a few touches and contributed to the team,” Howe told hawthornfc.com.au in the rooms post-game.

After a slow start, the Hawks hit their straps in the second quarter, before finishing the game strongly.

The side featured 13 premiership players and a number of exciting youngsters hoping to push their case for selection in Round 1.

“It was good to get the win, but there’s certainly areas we need to improve,” Howe said.

“We were a bit jittery at the start, especially the first and second quarters, but in the third quarter we were able to control the ball and get some repeat forward entries.

“It was pretty quick to start off with, it took a while to adjust. It’s always a bit of a step up playing against opposition compared to your own teammates.

“It’s obviously nice to have some of those older guys with a bit of experience, but also it was good to play with a few of the younger boys as well. It was a nice mix and I thought it worked well for us.”

After breaking through for four games in his debut season, Howe will no doubt no looking to add to his tally in 2016.

He’s enjoyed a strong pre-season so far, and is hoping to continue that over the next month.

“Obviously your first year’s a bit of a whirlwind,” Howe said.

“I feel a bit more comfortable this year and I’ve got through nearly all of the pre-season.

“There probably hasn’t been one specific thing – it’s been about working on my versatility, improving my skills and building my body up so I can compete at AFL level.”