FIRST-YEAR Hawk Daniel Howe believes developing the ability to play in multiple positions will help him add to his maiden senior appearance.
Howe was recruited by Hawthorn with pick 31 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, and made his AFL debut in the club’s Round 9 victory against Gold Coast Suns.
Since then, the 19-year-old has had to bide his time with VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks, and he’s been enjoying the opportunity to play a number of different roles for the team.
“I’ve played pretty much every position this year, and it’s good to have that versatility,” Howe said.
“I think that’s what the coaches want – that really flexible mindset that you can adapt to any position, and I’ve really enjoyed getting into the game in different ways.”
Drafted as a mobile defender, Howe’s AFL debut came as the sub, where he collected 11 disposals after being introduced into the game in the final term.
Learning as much as possible has been Howe’s focus since joining the club, and he said playing an AFL game early in his career has helped with that.
“I was hoping for it (to debut this year) – and for me to achieve that was pretty nice, but it’s just the starting point and hopefully I can build on it,” Howe said.
“The biggest thing for me was probably just the preparation and getting used to the pace of the game.
“Being around guys that you look up to, and playing alongside them, you get taught a lot – and I’m trying to implement those things at VFL level.
“Learning from one of the best teams and some of the best players in the competition is always going to hold you in good stead, and hopefully I can keep developing as a player.”
Luke Breust took Howe under his wing when he first got drafted, and he’s one Hawk the Yarrawonga product says has been a big influence to him both on and off the field.
He’s currently living with a host family, the Kings, and keeping busy outside of football by studying Commerce at Deakin University.
Howe said his focus for the rest of the season was to continue pushing to add to his solitary senior appearance – and continue contributing to team success, whether that’s at AFL or VFL level.
Building consistency across each contest, quarter and match is something Howe hopes will keep him in the frame for senior selection.
“I’d love another AFL game, but as far as I’m concerned I’m just going to work on my craft in the VFL and hopefully we can have some success building towards the finals,” he said.
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