INTERNATIONAL Rookie Kurt Heatherley is set to make his debut for Hawthorn in tonight’s NAB Challenge match against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.

Named in the squad on Tuesday, the Kiwi recruit is among a number of Hawks youngsters expected to impress in the opening hit-out of the pre-season.

A 193cm defender, Heatherley is athletic for his size, with his competitiveness and versatility among his biggest strengths.

Hampered by a hip injury last year, which saw the 19 year old sidelined for the majority of the year following surgery, Heatherley returned to play a handful of games for TAC Cup side, Sandringham Dragons.

With a strong pre-season and a full year under his belt with the Hawks, however, has him well prepared for his first taste of football at the highest level.

“He has come on so much,” Assistant Coach Luke Beveridge said of Heatherley.

“He had some injuries last year and is still very young but we’ve just been so rapt with what he’s done over the pre-season.”

Heatherley moved to Melbourne shortly after being identified and then signed as an International Scholarship holder in 2009.

He has a background in a number of sports including cricket, basketball, rugby and athletics.

Since joining the Hawks, he has worked closely with the Club’s development coaches but spent most of his time last year working with Recruiting and Special Projects Manager, Mark McKenzie.

Beveridge, who will coach Heatherley in his first AFL match after being handed the reigns for the night by Alastair Clarkson says he expects the young Kiwi to be among those to impress.

“There’s probably just some fine tuning needed in some different areas but that’s Kurt himself because he drives a lot of that,” he said.

“He’s really enthusiastic and has a big appetite to improve.

“He’ll go well tonight and we’re looking forward to seeing that.”

The Hawks have selected an experienced team for their opening game of the pre-season but have also named a number of youngsters.

Among those named are Mitch Hallahan, Will Langford, Angus Litherland and Billy Hartung.

“We’re excited to see how much they’ve improved,” he said. “These boys have had great pre-seasons; they’re really fit and strong and had great years last year.

“They were probably starved of opportunities last year when they really deserved them, so this is an important night for them and I think everyone at the Club is excited to see those guys play.”