HAWTHORN midfielder Jonathan Simpkin says he’s focused on performing his role for the team as the competition for spots heats up.

The Hawks are in a strong position heading into the bye round, sitting atop the AFL ladder with nine wins and one loss and, with a relatively healthy list to choose from.

Aside from major knee injuries to Matt Suckling, Ryan Shoenmakers and youngster Alex Woodward, the Hawks have almost a full list to choose from.

Brendan Whitecross and Cyril Rioli are the other two players currently on the injury list, but are expecting to return soon after the bye, with Whitecross is likely to play at Box Hill next weekend.

That means the competition for spots is hot at Hawthorn, and Alastair Clarkson faces the tough task of fitting a number of impressive performers into 22 spots.

One player vying for a spot is Simpkin, who has impressed in his five matches this season.

After strong performances during the pre-season, it wasn’t until Round 6 that Simpkin got his opportunity at senior level, when he was the sub against the Crows and again against Sydney in Round 7.

He gathered nine disposals in each of those games.

In Round 8, his chance finally came to show his skills over four quarters, as Simpkin started in the midfield against the Giants.

In that game, he impressed with 23 disposals – eight of which were contested, three clearances and six inside 50s.

He backed up that performance with an even better one against the Suns in Round 9, when he was one of Hawthorn’s best after gathered 32 touches, three tackles, four one percenters and eight inside 50s.

Against the Demons last Sunday, he put in another strong performance with 25 touches, 11 of which were contested and four inside 50s.

He makes a strong case to keep his spot in the side, and will almost certainly be given the chance to show his wares in a blockbuster game when the Hawks take on Carlton at Etihad Stadium in Round 12.

Simpkin says he’s been happy with his performances in each of his five games, with advice from coaches critical in his ability to seamlessly slot into the brown and gold.

“Being the sub in my first few games, I was sort of eased into it but I’ve been able to play full games the last three weeks and it’s been a good experience and good learning curve for me,” Simpkin told hawthornfc.com.au

“I think I’ve been okay. I just try and perform my role each week and do what the coaches ask of me.

“It’s been good to get some midfield time in the last few weeks to try and get a bit of the footy, it’s all going pretty well so far.

“The coaches have said to just back myself in and play the way I’ve played the last few years in the VFL and come in and play your role for the team.”

He know he can’t control whether he is selected or not, so instead, he’s focusing on what he can control, his own performances.

“Cyril has to come back into the team and maybe a few others as well, but all I can do is control what I can control and try and play well on the day,” he said.

“Hopefully what I’ve been doing is good enough to stay in the side.”