YOUNG Hawthorn key defender Ryan Schoenmakers says he's not bothered by the criticism that has come his way during his short career.

Amid a constant stream of injuries to the Hawks defence during the past year, the 21-year-old has been handed some of the most daunting tasks in the game.

At times he has been harshly marked for his performances.

But there is also a growing number of successes being added to Schoenmakers' CV, and his confidence is growing by the week.

He knows he has the backing of his coaches and teammates, and that's all that matters to him.

"I'm definitely pretty good at blocking [external criticism] out," Schoenmakers told AFL.com.au this week.

"I don't tend to pay too much attention to it.

"I just focus on my job week in and week out, and if the coaches are happy with that, then that's good."

This season, those jobs have already included a large slice of the game's biggest-name forwards, including Travis Cloke, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly, Kurt Tippett, Josh Kennedy, Nick Riewoldt and Mitch Clark.

Leading into last Friday night's clash with Melbourne and Clark, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson rated only the match-up with the two Geelong big men as a loss.

"He (Schoenmakers) has played pretty well the whole year," Clarkson said.

"He had one game against the Cats round two where he lowered his colours, but outside that, he has been pretty competitive for us.''

Highlighting his good form, Schoenmakers has been named in his team's best by AFL.com.au twice this season, against West Coast and the Sydney Swans.

Alongside the defensive work, his penetrating and accurate kicking once in possession is beginning to attract more attention.

To play on such big, strong players, Schoenmakers spent the summer adding size to his frame.

Listed at 86kg in the 2012 AFL Record season guide, more bulk will come with time.

"I've worked on contested footy and contested marking," Schoenmakers said.

"I’m playing on some bigger opponents, so I'm going to need to be strong and know how to handle myself in those situations."

When he first arrived at Hawthorn at the end of 2008, the South Australian was mentored by premiership full-back Trent Croad.

Since Croad's departure, he has worked closely with Stephen Gilham and another player who has had his fair share of criticism from fans, Tom Murphy.

"Steve was really good last year, because he had a lot of insight into the opponents I was playing on," Schoenmakers said.

"Tom Murphy has been good with just keeping me positive and helping me with a few things to improve on."

Gilham's return from a knee reconstruction in the win over the Demons provided a boost for Hawthorn, and his leadership in defence was warmly welcomed by his teammates.

"It's great having him back in the side," Schoenmakers said.

"He's a good general down back and it makes our jobs a bit easier.

"He knows what he's talking about and he makes sure all the boys are on our toes."