DEFENDER Jordan Kelly arrived at Hawthorn via pick 38 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

He has spent his first season in brown and gold developing his game with the Box Hill Hawks, and has high hopes for 2013.

Kelly spoke to hawthornfc.com.au.

You're almost one year into your career at Hawthorn. How has it been?

It's been very enjoyable. At the beginning of pre-season it was kind of a shock to the system, but I've enjoyed the challenges. Coming into my second pre-season I'll be a bit more confident in my ability and in my relationships with the players.

Was it daunting being around so many big name stars when you first arrived?

For the first couple of sessions it was a little bit. For the first week I lived with Grant Birchall, so I spent some time hanging around the boys away from the club as well, and that helped me settle in.

What have been the main things you've had to learn?

The commitment to training and the mental side of things. I didn't think they'd be as hard as what they have been. That took a little while to get used to. And also the types of recovery you do post-game. Just being able to get your body right to be able to get to a high standard of training.

What were your goals for the year?

To play 14 out of 18 VFL senior matches, and I also wanted to gain five kilos, to take me from 80kg to 85kg. And I'm around that now. So I've achieved both of those. My form's been pretty good, so I'm happy with the year so far.

You're 192cm. Do you see yourself as a key back or more of a mid-sized running type?

I don't see myself as the number one key defender. I think I could play on the third tall. So someone like a Jack Darling (from West Coast) or those type of players. They aren't the really big brutes of the game, but they're still a key forward. Negating my player is my first aim, and then giving a bit of run from defence.

So if we were to compare you to another Hawthorn player, would it be Ben Stratton?

Yeah. I've actually looked at a bit of vision with him, just to get a few tips from what he does.

Have you thought about goals for 2013 yet?

Not particularly, but I think I'd like to be, as they call it, a travel player or an emergency. But I'm definitely not going to hold anything back. I want to make my debut as quickly as I can. That's the ultimate goal. I think I've got to put on a bit more weight and get a bit quicker, and then depending on how my form is, there's no limit to where I'm playing.

Let's go back a bit. You went to primary school (at St Louis PS) and played junior footy (at Edithvale-Aspendale) with Richmond's Brett O'Hanlon and GWS' Dylan Shiel. I'm told you had a bit of success?

Yeah, that's correct. Dylan, Brett and I are good mates. We won the state primary school championship, and we won six premierships at local level. I think the closest a team got to us was probably about five goals. And we all went to secondary school at St Bede's until about year 10. I remember the first loss, in year seven. We lost the Grand Final by two points. That was a bit of a shock to the system. But then I think we won the next three school Grand Finals.

Is it good to have a couple of mates outside the Hawks who can relate to what you're experiencing?

It's good to discuss a few of the little issues along the way. There's probably been a couple in regards to things away from the club. Such as, external friendships and making sure you build good relationships at the club, and do stuff with the players away from the club. Because Dylan is interstate, I can only speak over the phone with him, but I catch up with Brett occasionally. He's actually just moved out of home, and I'm moving out before next pre-season, so that we can build on those relationships with players.

So you're moving in with a couple of the boys?

Yeah, I'm moving in with Brendan Whitecross and Taylor Duryea, I think.

You're Lachie Whitfield's cousin. Everyone's talking about him as the likely No.1 draft pick this year. What can you tell us about him?

We're pretty close cousins. He's been a natural talent since he was very young. He's always been very competitive, and he's also very hard-working. So he deserves what he gets, that's for sure.

Who did you barrack for as a kid?

I barracked for Essendon. My favourite players were James Hird and Darren Bewick.

You would have had to re-program your brain then, going to Hawthorn where the Bombers are a major rival?

Yeah, I'm more of a Hawk now than a Bomber. I'm just yet to get the rest of the family over the line. But give it time and hopefully it'll happen.

Did you play other sports as a kid?

I played cricket and basketball in the summer. I also played a little bit of table tennis and volleyball at high school.

Do you follow other sports now?

Not particularly. I like the NBA a bit, but I don't have a team that I barrack for. I like watching the English Premier League as well, especially when it gets to the pointy end of their season.

What are your other interests?

In summer I like to have a bit of a surf, but it's not a big passion. I like going to the beach, socialising with friends and catching up with family. I'm also studying business law at Monash University. I just started that this semester. It's something to get my head away from footy and help me with life after footy.

What are your favourite movies, music and TV shows?

Movies, probably The Hangover, Dumb and Dumber, most comedy. Music there are no real favourites. TV, I'd probably say Packed to the Rafters and Mrs Brown's Boys.

What would you be doing if you weren't playing footy?

I'd be studying full-time at Monash, and I'd have a part-time job.

And last one, do you think the Hawks will win the flag?

Yeah, I think they can definitely win it. They just need to play four quarters and start well. They're the best team in it, and it's there for the most disciplined team to take it.