Kiwis train to be Hawks

This week Hawthorn Football Club plays host to Trent Croad Scholarship holder Kurt Heatherley, 15, and his brother Jason, 18.

Kurt, the first AFL International Scholarship player from New Zealand to be listed with the Club, is on one of his regular visits to train with the Hawks in Melbourne as part of his commitment to the Club.

The boys chatted about footy, sports and life with hawthornfc.com.au.

“We’re here for eight days. It basically involves training with the development team, kicking techniques and spending time with the Club and some of the boys. It’s pretty cool. We’ve seen them (the players) play ping-pong and they’re good at that too.

“We’ve been with Geoff Morris and other coaches most of the time. We’ve got to know Shane Savage pretty well, and Brent (Renouf) too.” Kurt said of the other New Zealand-born Hawks.

Kurt is one of his country’s highest rated junior sportsmen and has consistently represented Bay of Plenty, Waikato and New Zealand in various basketball, rugby, cricket and athletics teams.

In basketball, Kurt has represented New Zealand at both under 14 and under 16 levels. At age 14, he was captain of the national under 14 team in 2008.

So how does footy compare with the other sports he plays?

“In terms of enjoyment, it’s up there with basketball, definitely. But AFL would probably be my favourite. It’s faster than rugby, and you’re always on the go.

“I’m training for the Hawks and playing for the New Zealand under 16’s (basketball team). We’ll see what happens.” Kurt said. 

While in Melbourne, the boys will take advantage of the Club facilities as well as watching a few school football matches.

“The facilities are amazing. You have got facilities for everything, and it’s all at your doorstep. In New Zealand you’ve got to travel everywhere.” Kurt said.

His older brother Jason chimes in: “I’ve been travelling every Sunday up to Auckland for two hours with a group of four boys.”

Sport seems to run in their blood. An avid athlete too, Jason represents the New Zealand Hawks in the under 20’s side. While he is not currently under scholarship with Hawthorn, he has great AFL opportunities.

“If I play well enough in the under 20’s team I could play in the Senior New Zealand team,” Jason said.

“I like seeing where it takes me.”

The Heatherley boys return to New Zealand on Monday.

Chris Pelchen has told hawthornfc.com.au the Club will conduct AFL Testing Days for potential players based in New Zealand in late August 2010.

"These testing days will involve both football skills and fitness testing and be held in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington with a view to suitable players being offered official Trent Croad Scholarships similar to Kurt Heatherley." Pelchen said.

Find out more about the Trent Croad Scholarship scheme.