HAWKS’ Mitch Thorp is one of eight young players to renew his contract at Waverley in what is an exciting time for the finals-bound club.

The 19-year-old has played just one AFL game, in round 15 last year, and like several other young recruits he’s working hard to earn a place in the seniors at Box Hill as the platform to an AFL career.

Picked as the Hawks’ number one selection in the 2006 draft, and sixth over all, Thorp says the commitment of established players such as Jarryd Roughead is an inspiration to the young Hawks.

“To have that bunch of guys stick together you know that everyone is on the one page and everyone wants to do the same,” Thorp says.

“No one is trying to go off and earn a bit more money, they all want to stay at the club. I love knowing that guys at the club want to stay and win a flag. It gives you confidence to come to training and play. It’s great that someone like Jarryd Roughead, who might be able to get some more money somewhere else, didn’t even think about it. It’s exciting times for Hawthorn definitely.”

While it’s only natural for Thorp to yearn after that spot in the senior side, he insists that he and his Box Hill team mates are more than happy to put in the hard yards at VFL level while they wait for their opportunity.

“We just love being part of a team that’s going well and being part of a successful environment. We just love turning up to training. Our time will come as long as we work hard.

"I just try to control what I can control and if I get into the side, I get into the side. I’m just putting my best foot forward. I just want to make it. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do since I can remember. So I’m doing the best I can.

"If playing at Box Hill is what I’ve got to do, then it’s what I’ve got to do. Once I get into the ones, I’ll just try to stay there.”

Thorp’s time at Waverley hasn’t been without its hiccups. He underwent a hip operation at the end of last season and three weeks ago he added himself to the list of Hawks who no longer possess appendix; Brad Sewell, Luke Hodge and Josh Kennedy have all had theirs removed as well.

“I’m a very competitive person. I find it hard to sit and watch an AFL game because I just want to play so much … I’ve had a few niggling injuries so my body needs to be right as well. I do get impatient though and sometimes maybe that’s why I get injured because I just want to train and to play. I’ve just got to hold myself back.”

While there’s always been debate about which end of the field Thorp should carry out his key position duties, he’s pretty sure where he’d prefer to be based.

“I played a lot in the forwards and the backs growing up. But I’ve certainly played my best games of footy up forward. I don’t mind playing defence -- I enjoy it too – [but] I’m hoping in my AFL career that I can be a centre half forward".

When Thorp’s not training of late he’s been watching the Olympics. With swimming one of his favourite events, there’s no doubting who his favourite gold medal winner is.

“Stephanie Rice of course,” he laughs.

“I was just saying the other day I’d love to meet her for a chat. She seems like a good Aussie girl.”

You get the feeling that if newly single Stephanie decided to give him a call, he’d be more than happy to chat.