MOTIVATED by the disappointment of missing out on this year’s premiership, Billy Hartung has started his 2016 pre-season with a point to prove.

And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The 20-year-old took out the club’s 2.2-kilometre time trial at Waverley Park just over a week ago, and is continuing his good work at the club’s pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast.

“I’ve come back in pretty good shape this pre-season,” Hartung said.

“Obviously with the disappointment of last year and not playing in the grand final, it’s a big driving factor for me.

“It’s always going to be a driving factor for me, that disappointment of not playing.”

After 20 games in his second season, Hartung was heartbreakingly left out of the side which overcame West Coast Eagles on the final day of the 2015 season, making way for teammate Jack Gunston.

And while he’s using that disappointment to push for bigger and better things, he’s trying his best to ensure it’s not a burden. 

“That’s obviously the main goal for me, just to try to play every game next year,” Hartung said.

“I guess I’m just trying not to put too much pressure on myself from that point of view.

“There’s been a few boys that have given me a bit of advice on their disappointment when they haven’t played. Big Boy’s (Ben McEvoy) been pretty good to me, to come up and talk to me about his experience at St Kilda (when he missed out on grand final selection in 2010’s drawn decider), so there’s a good support network around the club.”

Getting better has been Hartung’s focus, and he knows where he wants to improve heading into his third season as an AFL footballer.

“There’s always one area which I can work on, which is my physical side,” he said,

“I’m not a big frame and I’m more of an outside player, so for me it’s just trying to balance my game and trying to get inside a bit more than staying just predominantly outside.”

Breaking into the Hawks’ successful senior side hasn’t been easy over the past couple of years – and staying there can be even harder.

Now with 27 games under his belt – and the abolition of the substitute rule – Hartung hopes 2016 is the year he can cement a spot week-in, week-out.

“There’s been a lot of stories of boys that haven’t debuted until their third or fourth year, so I’m in a lucky situation where I’ve been able to play a few games early in my career,” he said.

“It’s one of those things where you’ve got to stay patient. It’s a hard team to get into, but once you get in there it’s really rewarding.”

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