HAWTHORN’S midfield might be tough to break into, but that won’t stop Alex Woodward from trying to beat down the door.
The 22-year-old ball magnet is having another magnificent season at VFL level with the Box Hill Hawks, averaging 29 disposals per game in his nine games
After making his AFL debut last season – and winning the JJ Liston Trophy for the VFL’s best and fairest player – Woodward is determined to push for more AFL opportunities this season.
“For me personally, it has been pretty consistent at Box Hill level,” he said.
“It’s pleasing that I can continue on from where I left off last year, which was a good year.
“There’s been a little bit more attention (from opposition teams) this year, but I find that’s a good challenge, pushing through games – and if I can just keep that consistency up it’s a good stepping stone for me to try and get a game in the AFL.”
Woodward was named in Hawthorn’s squad of 25 for Sunday’s match against Fremantle, but missed out on making the final 22.
The ball magnet has been attempting to develop other facets of his game to regularly keep his name in the frame for AFL selection.
“The last couple of weeks I’ve played a bit more forward, just trying to add another string to my bow,” Woodward said.
“Last week was a really positive step up forward for me, kicking three goals (against Frankston) – and I’m just really learning that craft.
“Hopefully when it comes to selection, they’re thinking of me not just as a midfielder but as a forward as well.”
Woodward’s focus is on continuing his form at VFL level – and he believes Box Hill is in a good position heading towards finals.
“We’ve been really strong this year, we’ve only had the two losses… and probably the two losses that we had we should have won, because we were right in those games,” he said.
“The camaraderie within the group, with the AFL-listed players and the Box Hill-listed players has been really good, the chemistry’s been really good and the game plan is working well.
“We’re putting ourselves in a good place to make a good surge into finals and hopefully go one step better than last year.”
Having finished his second year university exams last month, Woodward is eagerly awaiting the results and finds that study is helping him achieve a really balanced lifestyle.
But forcing his way into the Hawks’ senior team and adding to his two AFL games is first and foremost.
“I’m still striving for that break into the AFL team – that’s a good goal for me,” he said.
“I’m just going to work with the coaches’ feedback and just be positive about it and keep knocking the door down.”
RELATED
