During the free agency and trade periods and at the 2014 National and Rookie Drafts, Hawthorn welcomed eight new players to the Club, with five joining the primary list and three the rookie list.
Over the Christmas period, hawthornfc.com.au is giving you the chance to get to know the Club’s new players on both a football and personal level.
What kind of player are you: I’m predominantly a half forward – I see myself as a leading, marking half forward who likes to run.
What are your strengths: My marking and at this point in time I’d like to think my running – they’re the two things I really pride myself on.
What can you work on: The contested side of my game and I’ve got a pretty immature body so I need to put on some size and strength. I also need to get my body right because I’ve had some injuries in the past and work on the contested side of my game and my skills on my non-preferred hand and foot.
Team supported growing up: Hawthorn
Childhood or current sporting hero (non-AFL): I’d probably say Stephen Curry or Rajon Rondo who both play in the NBA. They’re my two favourite basketball players.
AFL hero:
Player you believe you play like most: I’m pushing it a bit but I’d like to model my game in the future on Jack Gunston. We’re similar players – he’s obviously significantly better than me and achieved far more than I could dream of achieving but still, I’m at a good club because he’s here and I’d like to model my game on him.
Favourite meal: Roast lamb…actually mum’s roast lamb.
What is your pump-up song before games: It’s not a song but I have Al Pacino’s Any Given Sunday motivational speech. I listen to that before a game and it gets me up and going.
Favourite band or performer: They’re on opposite ends of the spectrum but Johnny Cash and Eminem. They’re my two favourites by far.
Best band or performer you’ve seen live: Eminem. I saw him in Sydney, he was just phenomenal.
Favourite TV show: Suits
Favourite character in a TV show and why: Mike Ross/Harvey Specter from Suits…the duo. They sort of come as one so I consider them one character. They’re both really likeable and every case they get they dismantle. They’re unbeatable. They’ve got a great duo happening.
What are your hobbies: Sport – I like basketball, footy obviously. I also like to socialise, skateboard…I like to eat, I like to sleep. I like movies and TV…there isn’t too much I’m not interested to be honest.
What is your signature dish: Definitely eggs. I make a mean breakfast and if there are any eggs involved, I’ll make it haha.
Food you miss most during the season: Chocolate
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time: Socialise, see my mates. I love catching up with my friends. I don’t get too much sleep so I like to get a bit more in my spare time.
Favourite movie and why: The Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy. I consider them one – they’re just that much better than any other movie/s out there.
Dream holiday destination: Mexico. I went to Tulum in the summer last year and that was phenomenal. I can’t even describe how good it was.
Best country or city you have visited and why: Tulum in Mexico, that’s easy. It’s just magical – you’re literally staying on the beach and the water is so warm and so clear. The beaches are amazing, then you walk 10 metres and you find a sink hole with fresh water in it – it never ceases to amaze you.
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Fruit or vegetables: Fruit
iPhone or Android: iPhone
PlayStation or Xbox: Xbox
Cats or dogs: Dogs…hate cats
Summer or winter: Summer
What are your goals for 2015: To improve. I’ve never really played at that high a level of footy so I want to assert myself whether it’s at development level or in the VFL – I think the AFL is a long way off at this stage. So I just want to improve and make my mark at whatever level I’m playing. I want to play to my potential or reach my potential and get my body right.