At the beginning of every AFL season, like clockwork, the title of ‘one to watch’ gets thrown out into discussion, with fans, experts and the like putting in their suggestions of who they believe is the player with the most potential.
Bringing with it attention and expectations, for many players, it is a welcomed label.
But for Harry Morrison, fourth-year Hawk and this year’s ‘one to watch’ – as dubbed by a series of his teammates - it’s a title that is hard to comprehend.
“I usually like to fly under the radar,” Morrison said.
“I’m not usually one to push my own name forward, I’d be happy to be a bit like Dimma or Stratts, who go a bit unnoticed.”
Morrison has also received plaudits for his natural leadership ability, with Captain Ben Stratton touting the youngster as a future leader.
“Potentially, it’s early days,” Morrison said, clearly embarrassed by the praise.
“I’m more interested in leading myself first and getting that right and then maybe if I do that well, I could lead others.”
Morrison had a break-out year in 2018, playing 21 of a possible 24 games. He averaged 14.5 disposals and earned himself a Rising Star nomination for his performance in Hawthorn’s Round 20 win against Essendon.
As he headed into the 2019 season, the young Hawk looked as though he had solidified his spot in Hawthorn’s senior side, but it didn’t come to fruition with Morrison reduced to nine senior appearances.
With a strong pre-season behind him, the 21-year-old has certainly pushed his case for senior selection.
“I’ve been able to do majority of pre-season, so it’s been nice to be under the pump as much I can be,” Morrison said.
“Obviously, this helps in the earlier part of the year and hopefully it means I’ve put my name forward [for selection].”
The medium-sized defender has put together some solid performances in the pre-season, including in Hawthorn’s intraclub match and then again in the club’s Marsh Community Series match against St Kilda, where he demonstrated his composure across half-back.
With the likes of Jarman Impey and Blake Hardwick out with injury, Morrison’s versality, impressive ball-use and endurance may just be what the Hawks need.
“Obviously that is my goal, to play as many games as possible,” said Morrison.
“I think that’s the goal for everyone who sits on the fringe of the senior team, which is where I am at the moment.”
With the current COVID-19 situation, there is an uncertainty on whether Round 1 will go ahead, but Morrison says the team still has their minds focused on playing.
“The main thing is to not spend too much of our energy thinking about what potentially might happen and just deal with what is happening at the moment.
“And at the moment, we are playing Round 1, so we’re trying to narrow our focus to Sunday and keep it as simple as that.”
And with no crowds in attendance, Morrison is certain the Hawks will bring the noise.
“It’s going to be interesting with no crowd, but we’re a pretty lively bunch of guys so I don’t think energy will be too much of a problem.”
