HAWTHORN is pleased to welcome International Scholarship holders Kurt Heatherley and Shem Tatupu to the Club as International Rookies.
As part of the first list lodgement process on Wednesday, the Club has listed the pair with the AFL as International Rookies.
Heatherley, a 192cm prospect has been groomed as a defender during his development program with the Club, while Tatupu has played most of his football as a hulking 196cm and 104kg ruckman/forward.
Recruiting and List Manager, Graham Wright says the Club believe the pair has what it takes to make it at AFL level and are excited to officially welcome them to the Club.
“We think both have got real scope to push into the senior team at some stage, we’ve got really high hopes for them,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
“It’s been a long wait – we’ve had them for two-three years as International Scholarship players, so for them to finally come onto our list (is exciting).”
Heatherley, who was signed as a 16 year old in 2009 and moved to Melbourne soon after spent most of 2013 at the Ricoh Centre recuperating from hip surgery before continuing his development program with the Club.
He did, however, return late in the year to play a handful of games with TAC Cup side Sandringham Dragons.
During his development training, Heatherley has impressed with his competitiveness, versatility and athleticism thanks to his background in a number of different sports including basketball, cricket, rugby and athletics.
Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright believes it’s only a matter of time before Heatherley makes an impact at AFL level.
“He performed really well with Sandringham and actually, in every game he got better and better, which is what we thought (would happen),” he said.
“He is primed to have a big pre-season and hopefully isn’t too far away from being able to play at the level. We think he will certainly play AFL footy, it’s just a matter of how soon.
“He’ll develop in the system and I’m sure he’ll come through and play at some stage.”
Tatupu joined the Club’s International Scholarship scheme in 2011 but remained in his hometown, Auckland where he completed development sessions with AFLNZ and Hawthorn.
In that time, he has shown great development with his physical strength, marking, speed and agility for his size some of his most impressive attributes.
He has spent time in Melbourne over the past two years to visit the Club and undergo training at the Ricoh Centre.
During a visit in mid-2013, he also played matches for TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers and a game for Box Hill’s Development team.
“We’ve had less access to him but he’s been under a pretty strict program there in New Zealand and has developed as well,” Wright said.
“We’re looking forward to having him here.”
Heatherley will begin pre-season training with the first to fourth year players on 18 November, while Tatupu will begin his training the following week due to schooling commitments in New Zealand.
