Ask anyone within the four walls of Hawthorn who had been a stand-out performer over the summer and there was a common trend coming through in the answers.
Harry Morrison.
Entering his fourth season in the brown and gold, Morrison looked sharp and determined out on the track.
“I think there were a couple of things that contributed to me having a reasonable pre-season,” Morrison said.
“Being pretty much injury-free the entire summer, I was able to do almost every session.
“But I also think my confidence has grown and I’ve being able to change my mindset a bit between this year and last year.
“I’m not thinking about my faults as much as I am my strengths and instead just trying to use my weapons as much as I can.”
No right to win it! Can you remember this epic game?!
Averaging 18 disposals and 4.5 marks per game in his two Marsh Community Series outings, Morrison played predominantly off half-back where his precision kicking and run helped to set up numerous forward forays for the Hawks.
Given the 21-year-old was riding such a wave of momentum to begin his fourth campaign, Morrison conceded he was frustrated by the season’s postponement but was also wary of the strain the wider community is currently under as well.
“it’s a little bit frustrating at the moment but, in saying that, there’s a lot of people in a lot worse situations than me and us right now so I think it’s important to remember that.
“I’m just trying to look big picture and realise that we might be missing footy at the moment but people are missing their jobs, their families, their homes – everything.
“I think when you look at the big picture it becomes a bit less frustrating.”
An optimistic Morrison said he also sees a great opportunity ahead of him and his teammates throughout this period of pause.
“It’s a fine line between smashing yourself now and taking it too easy.
“But I think, right now with the situation we’re in, it’s a perfect opportunity to get a jump on the rest of the competition and, for myself, against the players that I’m competing for a spot with.
“I’m trying to look at it like that, with a bit more of a positive spin on things.
“If I work hard now, others might not be doing the same so that’s the mindset I’m using.”