In brief
AFL matches: 20
Average disposals per game: 15.8
Goals: 11
VFL matches: 2
Average disposals per game: 28
Review
GRAND final disappointment aside, Billy Hartung’s 2015 season was a raging success.
The second-year Hawk built on a promising debut year, in which he played seven games, to play 20 senior games this year.
On eight occasions, Hartung collected more than 20 disposals for the Hawks, and he was rewarded for a 26-disposal game against Melbourne in Round 7 with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
After missing the first two matches of the season, the 20-year-old started his season against Western Bulldogs in Round 3, playing 10 consecutive matches.
After Round 13, he was dropped, but responded with a 27-disposal effort for Box Hill Hawks to force his way back into the side.
Another eight games at senior level followed, before Hartung was omitted for the final round of the home-and-away season following back-to-back matches as the sub.
But again, the exciting midfielder responded, collecting 29 disposals, eight marks and five tackles in a VFL qualifying final.
He forced his way back into the AFL side, playing as the substitute in the Hawks’ semi final and preliminary final wins.
After making way for Jack Gunston for the Hawks’ premiership team, Hartung said the disappointment would drive him to continue his improvement.
"I know next year I'm going to put my head down and work extremely hard to be try to be in the position the boys are in today. After seeing them last year and this year, that's where I want to be,” he said.
"I want to be on the MCG on the last day of the year and trying to hold up the premiership cup."
The speedy wingman started nine matches as the sub, but still managed to average just under 16 disposals per game.
In a similar vein to Isaac Smith and Bradley Hill, Hartung's ability to break the lines was pivotal to his team's success.
A goal on the run against GWS Giants in Round 8 was a highlight, and Hawks fans can look forward to more Hartung highlights in the future, after he signed on for two more years last month.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“Everyone knows he was the hard luck story of the grand final. Often these disappointments drive you to become a better player, and we think that’s what will happen with Billy,” Fagan said.
“To play 20 games in his second year is a great achievement. He’s going through the same process that Luke Breust and Taylor Duryea went through early in their careers, when they were just missing out on finals teams.
“Although he was disappointed to miss the grand final, he made so much progress this year.
“We love his ball use, we love his speed, we love his endurance – with the changes to the interchange rule and the number of rotations next year, he’s going to become an even more important player for us.
“He’ll get his body even stronger over the pre-season, and we expect him to be a strong contributor on a consistent basis in the AFL team next year.”
In the news
VIDEO: Ask a Hawk: Hartung
NEWS: Hartung’s star continues to rise
NEWS: Hartung signs two-year extension
NEWS: Heartache will drive Hartung
VIDEO: Play Your Role: Hartung
