The thought of a 209cm ruckman feeling like he is still growing is a daunting one.

But, for second-year ruckman Ned Reeves, that is exactly how he feels.

Reeves joined Hawthorn in mid-March last year allowing him limited preparation ahead of the 2019 campaign.

This pre-season the 21-year-old is getting a running start.  

"My body has been much better this pre-season and I've been able to stay on the training track which has been good," Reeves said. 

"This whole pre-season I have been working with Ceglar every session.

"He is one of the best ruckman in the league so it is good to work with someone like that."

With the added time on the track, Reeves has learnt some valuable lessons about the lifestyle of an AFL footballer.  

"I think just the general professionalism, whether it be in preparation or recovery, has been a key thing.

"You can train as hard as you want on the track but then it's being able to back it up that's probably the main thing I've improved and which has helped me stay on the track."

And as for looking ahead to what the 2020 season might bring? 

"I'd love to be able to get a game, that would be a dream come true.

"But I think just get my form going up so that I can be confident at VFL level."