HAWTHORN utility Xavier Ellis is free of injuries and enjoying his football.

Ellis played his first game of the season last Friday night against the Eagles after finally overcoming a calf injury sustained in the final pre-season match against North Melbourne in Craigieburn in March.

It was a situation all too familiar to the former number three draft pick, who has battled injury since his breakout season in 2008.

Last year, the 25 year old played three home and away matches – the first in Round 20 against Port Adelaide, before playing in all three of Hawthorn’s finals, including the Grand Final.

He could be set for a similar year in 2013, having returned from injury in Round 9 for Box Hill, where he conditioned himself for the rigors of AFL football.

A very late inclusion for last Friday night’s win over West Coast, Ellis says he is feeling fit, healthy and most importantly is enjoying his football.

“It was good to have the ball fall my side of the net - the last couple of season I’ve had injuries,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“It was my calf this year that kept me out but now I’m feeling really fit and healthy and as long as I keep feeling this way and keep enjoying my football, then I give myself the best chance to make an impact.”

For the second year running, Ellis has found his way into the Hawthorn side in the second half of the season.

He hopes he can mirror the form he showed at AFL at the end of last year, the form that saw him selected for the 2012 Grand Final.

The utility admits though, he wishes his situation were different.

“You don’t just want to come in in the second half of the year, but that’s what has happened,” he said.

“Hopefully now it’s smooth sailing in terms of my game.

“The team is placed really well, we’re in really good form, we’ve won 11 on the trot so it’s a good environment to be in.”

Importantly, his case for selection holds something his Coach, Alastair Clarkson believes is important – versatility.

Ellis can play in a variety of roles, be it across half back, in the middle or as a half forward. He can even fulfil a run-with role if Clarkson so chooses.

That’s what he did as the sub last Friday night, spending time up forward, down back and in the middle in just over a quarter of football.

He says he’s used to being a “swing” player.

“There was no real set role (on Friday night), I was just sort of told where to go so I ended playing a bit of a role all over the field,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“I went from being a high defender to playing up across half forward then pushed up onto the wing as well.

“I was one of the freshest guys on the field obviously, and it’s one of my biggest strengths, the versatility to play in a number of roles so the coaches just kept swinging me around.

“Since I started I’ve had a different role most weeks – I might be running with someone one game and then playing half back or half forward the next.

“Being a versatile player certainly keeps football interesting, mixing up your positions.”