Taylor Duryea will make his AFL debut for Hawthorn on Sunday against Collingwood at the MCG.
hawthornfc.com.au sat down with him in February to discuss the year ahead, his goals and, the hope of making his senior debut in 2013.
WHEN goal setting and focus is the topic of conversation with AFL youngsters, the dialogue usually shifts towards making a debut or playing a few matches at senior level.
But, that’s not where the conversation went with Hawks youngster, Taylor Duryea.
Yes he’s determined to make his first appearance at senior level after three years at the Club, and yes he wants to become a regular in the senior side, but his focus is on a different aspect of AFL football.
For this 21 year old, the focus is on earning the respect of his peers and learning what it is to be a good teammate.
While Assistant Coach and mentor Luke Beveridge believes he can play a role for the Club in 2013, there’s more to it for the defender.
“It’s crucial to have their (the coaches) support because they’re the guys selecting you but it’s not just about having someone on your side in the coaching ranks,” Duryea told hawthornfc.com.au in February.
“It’s about gaining the respect of your peers because at the end of the day you’ve got to mold into the 22 at the weekend.
“To become a good teammate is my main focus and if I can get an AFL berth from that then so be it.”
On the field, Duryea has found a home in defence for Box Hill, a position he made his own in 2012 – becoming a regular in the best players and eventually, named as an emergency for Hawthorn.
Being close to senior selection was a buzz for the youngster who says being in the selection mix towards finals served as motivation to keep improving his game.
“The side could have easily won a Grand Final and, to be in the picture at such an important stage of the year was great for me,” he said.
“Heading into this year I’ve only got confidence in myself because I was so close last year.
“Even just to be part of the group and how excited they were, it’s almost like a motivation to be a part of the group at that time again this year.
“I can only take the positives from it.”
His form for Box Hill has given him the confidence to take his game to the next level, to step up and consolidate a spot in Hawthorn's best 22.
He sees that spot as being in Hawthorn's back six, alongside his senior teammates Josh Gibson, Brent Guerra, Grant Birchall, Brian Lake and Ryan Schoenmakers.
“I’m confident I can play a role down back in the senior side and so is he (Luke Beveridge),” Duryea said.
“It’s now just about playing well enough to get a gig and I’ve worked closely with him to do that.
“He sees a spot for me so it’s just now about getting the opportunity and then taking it.
“That’s my spot and I’ve worked on my game in the backline for the last year and a bit and I feel like I’ve made it my own down there.
“Hopefully I can turn good Box Hill form into good form at AFL level.”
