IRRESPECTIVE of whether he plays a final or not, Billy Hartung has exceeded his own expectations this season.
The 20-year-old Hawk has enjoyed a breakout year, building on seven games in his debut season to play 18 of a possible 22 matches for the dual reigning premiers during the 2015 home-and-away season.
On the eve of finals, Hartung would love to break back into the senior side.
But finals or no finals, Hartung is full of positivity about his season to date.
“It’s been a pretty full on year. It’s exceeded my expectations – even just playing senior footy,” he told hawthornfc.com.au during the week.
“Last year I played seven games, and this year I wanted to play seven or more to improve on last year.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play the majority of the games this year, so it’s been really positive.”
The hard-running, lightning quick onballer missed the first two games of the season, before managing 10 in succession between rounds three and 13.
In the middle of that streak was a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination – for a then career-best 26 disposals against Melbourne – a feat he achieved twice more in the Hawks’ next three matches.
Despite starting seven matches this season in the green vest, Hartung has still managed to average close to 17 disposals per game.
But it’s his ability to tear away from opponents to help transition the Hawks in a split second from attack to defence that is arguably the most exciting – and damaging – part of Hartung’s game.
His confidence is something that has grown over the past two seasons.
“I’m probably a bit more mature in terms of my body now,” Hartung said.
“Even though it’s only been an extra year, I feel more confident playing against the bigger boys when it comes to senior footy.
“In addition to that, being given opportunities to play games at the same time has been really helpful for me.”
While there have been plenty of positives for Hartung this year, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing – especially after he was omitted following Round 13's match against Essendon.
“I was pretty disappointed – I felt like I could play the whole season,” he said.
“I went back (to the VFL) and was able to play some decent footy and was back up the next week.
“Being really consistent and trying to hold my spot in the team (has been my focus) – it’s a pretty hard team to crack into, but once you’re there it’s really rewarding.”
It’s been a year full of big strides on-field for the Mt Martha Junior Football Club and Dandenong Stingrays product – but he’s still trying to soak up any information he can and learn as much about the game as possible.
“Sam Mitchell’s been a really good mentor for me on the footy field, and also Isaac Smith because I play the same role as him,” he said.
“They’ve been really helpful, and there’s also players like Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis, who have a wealth of knowledge. Anything I can learn off them is going to be great for my game.”
Hartung is hoping he will be playing alongside them on Friday night, when the Hawks take on West Coast Eagles in a qualifying final at Domain Stadium.
After being omitted from the Hawks’ side for Round 23, the fast-rising Hawk went back to the VFL, collecting 30 disposals to be among the best players in Box Hill Hawks’ qualifying final win.
He hopes he has done enough to earn a recall – but his fate is now in the hands of the Hawks’ match committee.
“It was something that I needed, to get back to Box Hill and play a full game, because I’d been the sub for a couple of weeks,” Hartung said.
“To get back there and play a full game was pleasing for me, and to get it through it and play some good footy was pleasing as well.
“Whatever happens happens. If they want to pick me to go over there, I’m ready to play, and if I’m not the next opportunity that comes I’ll put my hand up for it.
“I’m happy to play any role that Clarko wants me to play… Whether I’m playing VFL finals or AFL finals, I’ll just go out there and play my role."
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