IT HAS BEEN a seamless transition from VFL to AFL football for Taylor Duryea, and he says it’s all thanks to the senior Hawks who have given him the confidence to back his ability.

Drafted in 2009, it was a long apprenticeship for Duryea who battled form and injury at the beginning of his career, before finally settling into a back pocket at Box Hill in the second half of last season.

Under the tutelage of Assistant Coach Luke Beveridge, Duryea flourished in his new role as a back pocket and finally earned his place in the senior side.

In his debut match against Collingwood in Round 3, Duryea played as if he was a veteran of 100 games such was his composure under the pressure of both a big crowd and a formidable opponent that had won its opening two matches.

Duryea credits the leadership of his experienced teammates like Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall down back combined with the virtues of Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis in the midfield for his ability to slot into the senior side and adequately, if not impressively perform his role for the side.

“It’s been really handy to have such experienced guys around me so that when I come into the team it makes things pretty easy and a seamless transition so to speak,” Duryea told hawthornfc.com.au

“The communication and the belief they’ve showed in me has given me a boost. They tell me to back myself and to play as if I’ve played 100 games.

“That’s the strength of our team - we’ve got 22 guys and 17 other guys on the field who can help you through tough situations and the way we work as a full team, it makes things easier if you are struggling.

“Although I do still feel nervous at times and out of my depth, they reassure me and that really helps with self-belief and performance.”
He’s a player not short on courage, a trait in which Hawthorn seems to have blessed.

Like his Captain Hodge and teammates Gibson, Ben Stratton, Brent Guerra and Jordan Lewis to name a few, Duryea isn’t afraid to put his body on the line.

In his debut game, he backed into oncoming traffic and was suitably crunched by both Collingwood and Hawthorn players.

More recently against the Demons, he found himself pitted against ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick deep in Melbourne’s forward pocket – he arrived in the nick of time and with authority, punched the ball out of bounds to the delight of both the Hawthorn crowd and his teammates.

At only 179cm and a modest 80kgs, many wouldn’t blame the young Hawk for pulling out of a contest or two for fear of his own safety, at least his family probably wishes he did.

But not this determined youngster, he knows if it’s his time to “go”, then he’ll do what’s necessary for the team.

“Parts of it are natural, but knowing the backline structure and certain mechanisms and ways to play, you know if it’s your turn to go you just go,” Duryea said.

“At times you might know you’re going to cop a bit of contact but at the end of the day, if it’s going to help the team, you do everything you can.

“There are no second thoughts.”

He says that’s the culture the Hawks have built, the mentality to do what you can to benefit the team, no matter the situation.

Coach Alastair Clarkson has spent time developing the right mindset and attitude into the players at Hawthorn, and each player on the list has bought into that mindset.

The culmination of that belief and attitude is evidenced on the field, when any player puts his body on the line, showing no regard for his own safety.

The trust between the players at Hawthorn is its lifeblood and Duryea, a young player making a name for himself is living proof.

“If you get recognition for the things you do on the ground, no matter how big or small, that does give you confidence,” he said.

“That’s part of being a good team, celebrating effort and helping your mates out when they are finding it tough.”