HAWTHORN recruit Jonathan Simpkin says it has been a smooth transition to the Hawks since signing with the Club as a Delisted Free Agent in November.
Simpkin was cut by Geelong at the conclusion of the 2012 season after playing just four career games, including its Elimination Final loss to Fremantle.
A victim of the AFL’s new rookie list policy, Hawthorn’s Recruiting and List Manager, Graham Wright swopped on the opportunity to recruit the 25 year old to add to the Club’s midfield depth.
The midfielder says it was a relief to be given a fresh start at his third AFL club and is enjoying life in the brown and gold.
“They (Geelong) ran out of spots on their rookie list with the spots getting cut back so I had to move on from there,” Simpkin told hawthornfc.com.au
“Luckily Hawthorn showed a bit of interest and I was able to come here through the Free Agency process.
“Wrighty got in contact with my manager and it all started rolling from there, I had a few meetings with the Club and they were happy to give me a go and I’m just so glad to be here, it has been a really enjoyable ride so far.”
While Simpkin admits he was in “awe” of some of his new teammates, he revealed he’s now settled in to his new surroundings.
He credits the Club’s pre-season training camp on the Sunshine Coast for his ability to settle in so well at the Club and form relationships with his new teammates.
“I was a bit in awe at first of all the great players at the Club but in saying that I was just keen to get in here and start working hard to try and prove myself and get a bit of respect off the players,” he said.
“It has been a pretty good transition, it’s all gone pretty well, it’s gone pretty smoothly.
“I had a really good week up in Mooloolaba with the guys, I was able to train hard and really get to know my new teammates because when we left I was still fairly new.
“That experience allowed me to build a few good relationships and good friendships with the playing group and that will get better and develop as the year goes on.”
The former Cat has impressed Club coaches and teammates in weeks one and two of the NAB Cup through his attack on the man and the ball.
Now, Simpkin is focused on building on the respect he’s already earned from teammates.
“Training hard, doing all the teams things, that’s how I plan on getting the respect of the playing group,” he said.
“I can play in a variety of different roles – I can play up forward, in the midfield and on a wing as well.
“Hopefully I can offer a bit of flexibility and variety to the Club and they can throw me in a few different positions, a few different roles if need be.”