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, here is part two of the interview.
Kate Salemme: You were All Australian a few years ago, do you think you’ve improved since then?
James Frawley: That’s a pretty hard question. I think I’ve been going okay but I could probably improve my form.
Playing forward in 2014 was a good mix-up to start learning more in trying to play a different role for the team, which I really enjoyed.
Playing full forward rather than full back was a bit of a surprise to me and to the supporters as well I guess but I enjoyed it, it added another string to the bow.
KS: What was that challenge like? Was it daunting or a good opportunity to learn more about the way forwards think?
JF: As a forward you have to think differently – it’s all about getting the ball rather than stopping an opponent.
I really enjoyed it because there were many different challenges along the way. Obviously we didn’t get the ball inside 50 too often so I saw how you have to work through that.
I could have probably kicked a bit straighter but like I said before, it just adds another string to the bow and maybe this year, if we need someone up forward I might be able to go down there and help out if needed.
KS: Do you think it has helped you become a better defender?
JF: I think so. As a junior I played a bit forward as well so I kind of knew how to play it but it did help a bit getting to know about the running patterns. But it’s different for each player and different teams – it’s pretty hard to translate the way I played to someone else.
Hopefully it will help in the long run.
KS: You mentioned Lake and Gibson earlier, you’ll need to work out how they play. How much work goes into that?
JF: A lot goes into it. In the next period of training we’ll start to do a lot more one-on-one work with the forwards, so it’ll be good to start gelling with the players.
They’re a tight-knit group and when you play you’ll help them out every chance you get. You bleed for them; you die for them every time you’re out on the park. So I’m looking forward to getting to know them better as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
KS: Is it hard to come into a new club and play alongside guys you’ve never played with before?
JF: Well I haven’t done it yet, so I might have to let you know after Round 1. But I’ll just be going out there to play my role and do my bit for the team and hopefully it all works out.
KS: Trust in footy is a big thing, particularly on the field. How much work goes into that side of it?
JF: Coming in as a new player you actually have to earn the trust of the players, so that’s a slow process. You do that by depositing some good actions – it’s all about that really. It’s what you do on the park in the first few months or first few games.
I’m really looking forward to it, hopefully I get the trust pretty quick.
KS: Forgetting about the on-field stuff, is it also about getting to know them off-field?
JF: Yeah definitely. That’s what a footy club is all about, it’s getting to know the people and enjoying each other’s company. Playing footy, we’re pretty lucky that we get to spend every day with our best friends and our mates who are fun to be around.
I’m looking forward to getting to know them a lot better as time goes on.
KS: Has there been anyone surprise you from the 22 you see out on the field for Hawthorn usually?
JF: It’s hard to tell at the moment but there will definitely be some who really standout as we get closer to games.
I guess too I haven’t really been looking for that too much though, I’ve more focused on myself and getting myself right to train with the boys and do my best.
KS: Having come from another AFL club and now at a new home, is there more of an eagerness to get out there next year?
JF: It’s pretty weird to be honest but I’m enjoying it. I guess there are some different expectations and then also the fact I have to prove myself again – prove myself to new people, new players and coaching staff.
I’m looking forward to trying to put my best foot forward. It all starts on the training track and then when we start to play games I’ll just be doing my best and having a crack.
KS: Is it hard having to prove yourself again?
JF: It’s probably healthy. When you’re at a club for a long time you might get comfortable, not that I was but sometimes you need that. I think it’s a positive.
KS: Clarko always says if you’re not improving others will go past you and it’s the same in football. Do you approach every year as a chance to get better?
JF: Definitely. AFL is coming along at a rate of knots now with all the young players coming in. I remember when I first came into the system I was a pretty good runner but the new guys now, they’re all flying past me.
You need to keep working on different aspects of your game – there isn’t the perfect player out there. Even Gary Ablett, he always says he has stuff to work on so everyone has to be trying to improve their game and I’m the same.
I want to get better every session and every week.
KS: What are your thoughts on Alastair Clarkson?
JF: He’s a really nice bloke who has a lovely family. He had us all over for a barbecue recently, which was really nice.
I still probably don’t know him as well as everyone but I’m getting there. He seems like really good coach. The way he speaks when he’s up in front of the group is really good and the best thing is he also likes to have a bit of fun as well.
I’m really looking forward to playing under him.
KS: What excites you most about 2015 and being at Hawthorn?
JF: I’m really looking forward to just getting out there with the boys and hopefully winning some matches.
You never hurt as much after a win and the ice certainly isn’t as cold!
KS: What are you hoping to achieve in 2015?
JF: I want to cement a spot in the side and hopefully win some games then see what happens from there. Hopefully we can play finals but it’s not really about that – I’ll just be taking it one week at a time.
