PREMIERSHIP defender James Frawley is ready to take on a more senior role in defence this season, his second as a Hawk.
 
After settling into the club’s system last season and starring come finals time, Frawley is confident he can now have even more of a presence down back in 2016.
 
“There’s a big difference between this year and last year for me,” the key defender said.
 
“I now know what I’m doing with the structures and I can help other people out… I can direct and use my voice to put people in the right spots.
 
“This time last year, I kind of knew it (defensive structures) but I didn’t really know how to act on it straight away. That’s been a big positive (this pre-season).”
 
With the retirement of veteran Brian Lake at the end of 2015, Frawley’s experience in defence will be crucial in 2016, alongside the likes of Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall.
 
Off-season shoulder surgery restricted him initially during the pre-season, but since coming back from the Christmas break, the 27-year-old has been able to hit his straps.
 
“I had a shoulder reconstruction over the off-season, so it was probably a bit slow over the break,” Frawley said.
 
“But I started running towards the end of the break and as soon as I’ve got back I’ve been able to do almost everything. I’ve been running for a long time and doing almost everything in the skills drills now.
 
“It’s come along really well and it’ll be all good for the year.”
 
Defensively, Frawley sees the Hawks being strong again in 2016.
 
While Lake leaves undoubtedly a big hole to fill, Frawley says there are a number of capable young Hawks training hard and pressing for an opportunity.
 
“With Lakey gone now, we need other blokes to step up… There’s young fellas like Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley and Angus Litherland training really well,” he said.
 
“A soldier goes down and another one comes in and replaces him to do a job.
 
“It’s going to be an exciting year and I’m looking forward to one of those guys coming in and playing a role for us.”