NEW recruit Jack Fitzpatrick is looking forward to a fresh start as he prepares for life as a Hawk.
Fitzpatrick joined Hawthorn in the 2015 NAB AFL Trade Period, with the club giving up pick 94 in exchange for the former Melbourne tall.
Fitzpatrick said having a "blank canvas" and joining the three-time reigning premiers was an exciting opportunity.
He now has a whole pre-season to make his mark in front of the coaching staff and his new teammates.
“That’s pretty much how I’ll be over the next few weeks and months,” the 24-year-old told hawthornfc.com.au after signing with the club.
“I’m literally just coming in eyes wide open and hoping to learn as much as I can.”
In six years as a Demon, the 200-centimetre big man made 22 senior appearances, playing predominantly as a ruckman-forward and kicking 24 goals.
His best season came in 2013, when he played 11 matches, including hauls of four and three goals against Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions respectively.
After just three senior appearances in 2015, Fitzpatrick was delisted by the Demons at season’s end, but hopeful of another AFL opportunity.
A Hawthorn supporter growing up, Fitzpatrick has fond memories of Waverley Park, having attended the last Hawthorn game at the club’s now headquarters back in 1999.
After a meeting with Hawthorn Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright, Fitzpatrick was convinced that his future lies in the brown and gold.
Wright believes Fitzpatrick can help to fill the void left by retired triple-premiership ruckman David Hale.
The new Hawk hopes he can contribute in a ruck-forward role, but is happy to play in any position.
“I personally believe I play my best footy forward-ruck,” he said.
“But I played this year at Melbourne as a full back and centre half back. I honestly just enjoy playing footy and I’d be happy to play anywhere.”
While Fitzpatrick’s senior opportunities were limited this season, he enjoyed a consistent year at VFL level playing predominantly as a key defender, finishing runner-up in Casey Scorpions’ best and fairest count.
He enjoyed the challenge of a new role, and is confident he can continue to build on his strengths and improve his game.
“I think for a big guy I’m quite quick, so that’s probably the number one (strength), that I’m hard to match up on from that point of view,” Fitzpatrick said.
“To be honest, I think I can improve on pretty much the lot. I don’t think there’s one area in my game that I’m perfect at, so I just want to come here and work on everything.”
As far as his goals for life at Hawthorn are concerned, he’s not setting any limits.
“I’d love to be able to play one game for the Hawks,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Hopefully one can turn into two, and two can turn into anything.”
