IN AND OUT of the Hawthorn side in 2012, Hawks utility Kyle Cheney hopes to feature heavily in Coach Alastair Clarkson’s plans for season 2013.
Now in his third year at the Club, the 23 year old says he hopes to impress the coaching staff during the NAB Cup, with an eye on earning a place in Hawthorn’s Round 1 side.
He’s not getting ahead of himself though, admitting there is still work to be done during the pre-season competition before he can put his hand up for the Hawks’ season opener.
“I’d love to play Round 1 but at the moment I’m just looking forward to the NAB Cup and cement a spot in that competition and hopefully that holds me in good stead for the opening round,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
Having played just six matches at senior level last year for a total of 28 career matches, Cheney reveales his aim for 2013 is to play more AFL than VFL games in 2013.
“I just want to play more AFL games than VFL games this year, so whether it’s 55 per cent, that’s the goal,” he said.
“If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, but I’m always going to stay positive in regards to selection and play as many AFL games as I can.”
The modest former Demon concedes while he may not be the most skilled player on the Club’s list, what he lacks in polish, he makes up for in determination and competitive instinct.
While he admits getting plenty of the ball would be ideal, he is aware of his limitations.
So instead, he is focused on the defensive side of the game, and perfecting his ability to tackle and pressure the opposition.
“I’m not naturally gifted like some of the guys in terms of skills, but competitive instinct – I’ve got that,” he said.
“As a defender, the tackling and the pressure are the kinds of things you’ve got to model your game on - that’s what I always try and hang my hat on.
“Getting the ball is always nice but I don’t get it too often, the tackles and the spoils and that sort of stuff is how I was to model my game.”
Cheney has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season to date, participating in and completing each training session set out by the coaching and fitness staff.
He says his injury-free start to the year has served as a confidence booster as he embarks on his sixth season on an AFL list.
“It’s been pretty tough as always,” Cheney said of pre-season training.
“I’m pretty confident with the stuff that I’ve done and the workload, I haven’t missed a session yet so I’m going pretty strong.
“I’m injury-free at the moment which is always a positive sign and coping with the training and the workload well, I’ve come back in pretty good knick so I’ve just got to keep stepping up and get bigger and stronger.”
Secure your seat for Round 1 and become a Hawks member today. Visit the membership website or call 13000 HAWKS (1300 042 957).
