We spoke to Hawthorn’s Elite Performance Manager Andrew Russell, to find out which of our Hawks have stepped up their game across the course of the 2017 pre-season.
Name: Dallas Willsmore
Age: 21
Guernsey: 20
Senior games (2016): 0
Senior games (career): 0
Dallas Willsmore experienced another successful season with Box Hill Hawks, and was seemingly on the cusp of AFL selection on several occasions.
Throughout the pre-season, the enthusiasm and dedication with which Willsmore has approached his training has thoroughly impressed coaching staff, according to Russell.
“He’s giving himself the best chance to break into the senior team this year, which is his goal,” said Russell.
“He is a really good runner, and he’s worked really hard on his strength and power to improve that over the pre-season.”
“He really wants to play good, consistent senior football, and he’s putting in the effort to get that result”.
If 2017 is the year Willsmore fulfils his AFL dream, then Russell believes there is plenty the young wingman can bring to the table.
“[If he breaks into the senior team] he will offer great ball use, and he has the ability to really run the lines hard.”
Read: Ten Top Improvers: Shiels
