HAWTHORN defender Ryan Schoenmakers says his improvement over the last two seasons comes as a result of the defensive group working as a team and supporting one another.
Schoenmakers has had an impressive start to the 2013 season, and was one of Hawthorn’s best in the 50-point win over West Coast on Sunday at Patersons Stadium.
A much maligned player in 2011 and early last season, the Hawks youngster has improved his game and become a favourite amongst Hawthorn fans.
His blossoming career as a pillar in the Hawthorn defence alongside teammate Josh Gibson is one of the feel-good stories that surrounds the Hawks in 2013 – the coming of age of a youngster who had his doubters.
But if you ask Schoenmakers himself, it has been the support of his teammates and their willingness to support and work together as a defensive unit that has helped him improve his game.
“It really comes back to the support of my teammates, we do that really well (helping each other out),” Schoenmakers told hawthornfc.com.au
“Without them, you can get hung out to dry a little bit so it’s good to have them there and willing to drop back.”
At 22 years of age, the young defender now has four full pre-seasons under his belt as he enters his fifth season at the elite level.
He says being able to participate fully in training over the summer and have a strong gym program tailored to his needs has helped with his confidence and belief to stand the competition’s biggest and best forwards.
“I had another solid pre-season so it was good to get a couple of those under my belt now, it really holds you in great stead heading into the season,” he said.
“Having that work behind you, it’s great for your confidence and also your strength in the contest and prepares you for the physicality.”
Schoenmakers has been listed amongst the best players in Hawthorn’s opening two matches against Geelong and West Coast.
His game against the Eagles on Sunday though was arguably the better of the two, showing his ability to both restrict his opponent’s influence and be a weapon for the Hawks off half back.
But the modest youngster says his performance in Sunday’s win is an example of how the defensive group’s willingness to help one another assists him in his ability to shut down the opposition’s best forwards.
“I was pretty happy with my performance, I managed to get a couple of spoils in and take some good marks and provide a bit of run off back,” he said of his game against the Eagles.
“I had a lot of support from the other defenders which makes my job a lot easier, especially having Hodgey back there as well.
“He (Hodge) really knows what’s going on, he has a great feel for the game and the situation and what we need at certain times.
“He’s really level-headed and makes sure all the boys are switched on all the time.”
He also credits assistant and defensive coach Luke Beveridge for his improvement.
“He’s (Beveridge) shown a great interest in me and how I’m developing and he’s given me some great tips on how to improve my game,” Schoenmakers said.
“He’s been outstanding for me and we’ve got a really great relationship, which works really well.”
Beveridge says Schoenmakers’ attitude towards his training and his development has been one of the key reasons why the youngster has seen results on the field.
“We’ve given him all the right tools and he’s really grabbed the opportunities we’ve given him with both hands so hopefully he continues to grow,” Beveridge told hawthornfc.com.au
“He had a pretty good pre-season, I think there were probably three or four games last year where it was tough for him on bigger opponents but we were really happy with his year.
“He will continue to build on what he’s been able to established over last year and he’s put enough work in to indicate that will happen.”
The Hawks defensive coach admitted at times, the defensive group as a whole let their teammate down but admits it’s up to Schoenmakers too, to improve in one-on-one battles.
“Our team defence let him down on occasions, so it’s sort of not all on his head,” he said.
“No doubt this year, if there were a handful of contests last year that he almost halved or won, he might be able to go that extra yard this year and win those or half them.
“That’s where we’re looking for, increments of improvement.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club's Digital Media team reporting for hawthornfc.com.au