RYAN Schoenmakers is the latest Hawk to commit to the Club, with the defender signing a new contract to remain at the Club until the end of the 2014 season.
The key position defender has played a key role in the Hawks’ season to date, and says that the trust and confidence the coaches have in him allows him to play his role.
“Absolutely, it’s a great feeling having the coaches believe in you, and it makes my job easier,” he said.
Originally from Adelaide, Schoenmakers is in his fourth season at the highest level.
Making the move from Adelaide to Melbourne when he was drafted by the Hawks as an 18-year-old was made easy by the welcoming nature and culture of the Club.
“It was a bit tough at the start, I was pretty lucky that I moved in with a host family for the first two years, which made the transition very easy,” he said.
“They’ve really embraced me as I’ve come over here and that makes it easier to do my job day-to-day.
“Then I had a few mentors in Stephen Gilham and Tom Murphy who helped me (develop) quickly with the defensive structure.
“It was a really stable foundation.”
Standing at 193cm, Schoenmakers has been entrusted with a key role by Coach Alastair Clarkson - to stand some of the best forwards in the game.
So far this season, the 21-year-old has enjoyed battles with Collingwood’s Travis Cloke, West Coast’s Josh Kennedy and Brisbane’s Jonathan Brown.
Playing on some of the best forwards in the game, Schoenmakers says has helped to fast-track his development at the highest level.
“I’ve played a handful of good games, but there’s obviously been a few games where I’ve had a few areas for improvement,” he said.
“That’s a good learning curve for me especially at this stage of my career.
“(My goal) definitely just to keep improving and do it on a week-to-week (basis).”
Fellow defenders Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall have also played a role in Schoenmakers’ development, with the trio forming an ever-improving backline.
“Josh Gibson is great, he’s just hard at the ball and at every contest, he attacks it 100 per cent so from that aspect, he’s great to watch,” he said.
“Grant Birchall, the way he executes his skills is fantastic.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre
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