Former Demon James Frawley joined Hawthorn via free agency in October but has now had time to settle into his new surroundings. We caught up with him to speak on a range of topics.


Kate Salemme: You’ve been here for a little while now, how are you settling in?
James Frawley: I’m loving it. Now all the older boys have been back for a few weeks so I’m starting to get to know everyone and get to know my way around the place. I’m enjoying it and hopefully it continues, which I’m sure it will.

KS: You started off training with the younger guys (1-4 year players), most of who you weren’t too familiar with. How did you go with them?
JF: I felt a bit like the old bugger. It was good to get out there with the younger guys and try and help them out as much as I can. I was also trying to learn stuff off them as well. It was a good experience being here for two weeks with them – I had a good few weeks of training so got in a good base before the older guys came back.

KS: When the senior guys came back, what was it like to start training with guys you once knew as your opposition?
JF: It was a little bit weird for the first session – I was a bit edgy, a bit toey when I was coming in. It was good though, everyone has been really nice, really accommodating but they’ve always been very friendly to me.

I’m really enjoying my time here, they’re all good blokes. They all hang a bit of stuff on each other and have a bit of a laugh but then when it’s time to train they get out there and train hard.

KS: Is it really like starting at a new school?
JF: It actually is. I told my girlfriend it’s like when she starts a new job and gets a bit nervous. On your first day of school, it’s a very similar feeling to that.

KS: How hard was it to actually decide to leave Melbourne and play somewhere else?
JF: It was extremely hard. It took me a long time to actually make the decision. I loved playing with Melbourne and I wish them all the best in the future. (But) now that I’m here and I’ve been here for a few weeks now, I think I’ve made the right call.

KS: What were your first impressions of the club once you came here and were actually a Hawthorn player and no longer a potential recruit?
JF: The way the boys train and the coaching staff go about it and the program in its entirety, I’m really enjoying it. I’m having a good time and hopefully that can translate into me playing some good footy.

KS: It’s a long pre-season but I’m guessing you’re counting down to Round 1. What are you hoping to achieve though between now and then?
JF: I’m hoping to get to know all the players personally and actually work out their strengths and weaknesses on the field.

I want to make some new mates, new friends at the Club and try and learn as much as I can as well off the older players like Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell. I want to be a sponge here. I want to learn the game plan and be ready to go for Round 1 and try and win some games.

KS: How has training been so far?
JF: It’s been good, been solid. Andrew Russell our fitness coach is very switched on, he knows all his stuff so we’ve been working very hard.

KS: Has there been much of a different in the training etc between Hawthorn and Melbourne?
JF: There’s nothing that really stands out to be honest. It’s all pretty similar.

KS: Who has stood out for you so far with the younger guys and also the senior boys?
JF: In the first few weeks a few guys stood out for me – Billy Hartung is one. He’s probably ready to step up after having played a few games this year. He takes the game on and is very exciting.

Dallas Willsmore as well, he’s been training the house down and has a really long, nice kick on him.

Hopefully those two boys can put their name up and play some games.

There are a lot of players though who can just come on during the season, so hopefully we get a few of them.

Of the older guys, it’s the same one who are always so competitive and give their all every session. I’m talking about Hodge, Lewis, Mitchell – the standout players like that. Even Ben Stratton – it’s all the guys really. They have a good crack out on the track, it’s good to see.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two of James Frawley’s interview.