YOUNG forward Tim O’Brien is hoping a more aggressive on-field persona will help him to break into Hawthorn’s senior side through the remainder of the season.

O’Brien, who debuted in Round 1, 2014, has enjoyed his most consistent season kicking 16 goals in 16 appearances at VFL level and is working on developing his strength and presence both around the ball and in the air.

“Being strong in the contest… not getting pushed out, being assertive and aggressive – that’s what’s going to take my game to the next level,” O’Brien said.

“It’s something I’ve had to work on a fair bit. It’s not naturally me, but it’s getting there and it still needs to improve.”

Lining up this weekend for Box Hill Hawks, who currently sit second on the VFL ladder with 10 wins and three losses, the 21-year-old has also spent time in the defensive half of the ground in an effort to develop his versatility.

“That’s one thing that ‘Clarko’ spoke to me about as another way to get into that senior side is through that versatility,” he said.

“Going back, I’ve done that a few times this year and actually I enjoyed it, something a bit different, especially the way we play as a defensive group.”

Having earlier this year signed a contract tying him to the club until the end of 2017, the South Australian, taken with pick 28 In the 2012 draft, is confident that when his time does come, he has plenty to bring to an AFL side chasing its third consecutive flag this season.

“I’d like to say (my strengths are), my marking ability and my ability to get around the ground using my athleticism a bit,” O’Brien said.

Working with development coaches Rob McCartney, Damian Carroll and David Neitz to model his game on that of fellow mobile key-forward, Jack Gunston, O’Brien is enjoying the challenge as he strives to break into the Hawks’ senior side.

“Yeah I love it,” he said.

“Continual improvement to try and break into that senior side will be my goal for the rest of this year to get in there and hopefully stay in there.

Box Hill Hawks play Richmond Tigers at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday at 2pm.