IT’S a new year and we’re pretty excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the team in 2016.
There’s sure to be plenty of talented young Hawks vying for senior berths over the next couple of months of pre-season training and NAB Challenge matches.
We’ve taken a look at 10 second-to-sixth year players who will be hoping they can push their names into the frame for regular senior selection this year.
Name: Kurt Heatherley
Age: 21
Guernsey: 34
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Games (2015): 0
Games (career): 0
Drafted: Pick no. 61, 2013 Rookie Draft
Mobile key defender Kurt Heatherley will no doubt have his eyes set on pushing a senior debut in 2016.
After continuing his development at VFL level in 2015, Heatherley made great strides, and was upgraded from the rookie list to the senior list at season’s end.
According to the 2015 AFL Season Guide…
In his first season of open-age football, the New Zealand rookie acquitted himself well at Box Hill, where he played 14 games.
Heatherley is looming as a rangy and athletic key defender who reads the play well. The Hawks are biding their time, but are delighted with his progress.
In 2015…
Heatherley continued that progress in 2015, playing 20 games for Box Hill in a key defensive post.
He was named in the best on five occasions, competing against AFL-listed forwards, and impressed with his speed and lateral movement, whilst also working hard to improve his disposal.
In August, Heatherley signed a new deal with the Hawks, expressing a desire to repay the club’s faith in him in years to come.
Where would he slot in?
Upgraded to the senior list at the end of 2015, Heatherley will be hoping to break in to the Hawks’ senior side for a 2016 debut in the vacant key defensive position left by Brian Lake.
But he will face plenty of competition amongst the likes of Kaiden Brand and Angus Litherland, while premiership player Matt Spangher will also be staking a claim for that spot after an injury-interrupted 2015.
Pre-season update…
Heatherley has been back at pre-season since day one with the club’s first-to-fourth year players.
