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Re: Other Club Delistings 2017 - Any interest.
SPEEDY wingman Billy Hartung can now be picked up as a delisted free agent after being delisted by Hawthorn on Thursday afternoon.
Hartung was one of three players delisted by the Hawks, with Kade Stewart and Dallas Willsmore also removed from the senior list. However the Hawks have committed to re-drafting Willsmore as a rookie in November.
The delisting of Hartung comes as the biggest surprise after the 22-year-old featured in 18 of a possible 22 senior games and averaged a career-high 22 disposals for the Hawks in 2017. He finished the season strongly as well, producing career-high disposals (32), contested possessions (10), marks (nine) and inside 50s (five) against Carlton in Round 22.
OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: EVERY CLUB’S LIST CHANGES
However the Hawks’ recent acquisition of fellow speedster Jarman Impey via Port Adelaide didn’t help Hartung’s cause.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to Billy and Kade for their contribution to Hawthorn,” club recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.
“Both players have demonstrated great commitment to the club and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Hartung, who holds the record for the best beep test result (16.06) in AFL draft combine history, was one of the Hawks’ key outside line-breakers over recent years.
He came within a whisker of being a premiership player in 2015, representing the Hawks in the preliminary final against Fremantle before being replaced by the returning Jack Gunston for the Grand Final. That came after playing 20 senior games and earning a Rising Star nomination in the same season.
But Melbourne great David Schwarz said Hartung needed to improve the defensive aspect of his game.
“His lack of pressure was the issue I think that the Hawks had problems with and just his overall toughness,” Schwarz told SEN’s The Run Home.
“But he’s got speed and he’s got the know-how. If he can get the other side of his game right, he could be a handy pick up for someone.”
Hartung can now not only be picked up as a delisted free agent, but also nominate to be taken in either the national or rookie drafts in November.
Scott Lucas, Hartung’s manager, did indicate during the AFL trade period that there had been “some interest from other clubs”.
In other Hawthorn list news, midfielder Jono O’Rourke and key backman Kurt Heatherley have signed one-year deals to remain at the Hawks.
“Jonathan had an injury interrupted season, so we trust with a full pre-season under his belt he’ll be able to perform at his best next year,” Wright said.
“Kurt had a solid year at VFL level and also managed four senior games. We hope he can continue to develop his craft as a key backman next season.”
SPEEDY wingman Billy Hartung can now be picked up as a delisted free agent after being delisted by Hawthorn on Thursday afternoon.
Hartung was one of three players delisted by the Hawks, with Kade Stewart and Dallas Willsmore also removed from the senior list. However the Hawks have committed to re-drafting Willsmore as a rookie in November.
The delisting of Hartung comes as the biggest surprise after the 22-year-old featured in 18 of a possible 22 senior games and averaged a career-high 22 disposals for the Hawks in 2017. He finished the season strongly as well, producing career-high disposals (32), contested possessions (10), marks (nine) and inside 50s (five) against Carlton in Round 22.
OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: EVERY CLUB’S LIST CHANGES
However the Hawks’ recent acquisition of fellow speedster Jarman Impey via Port Adelaide didn’t help Hartung’s cause.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to Billy and Kade for their contribution to Hawthorn,” club recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.
“Both players have demonstrated great commitment to the club and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Hartung, who holds the record for the best beep test result (16.06) in AFL draft combine history, was one of the Hawks’ key outside line-breakers over recent years.
He came within a whisker of being a premiership player in 2015, representing the Hawks in the preliminary final against Fremantle before being replaced by the returning Jack Gunston for the Grand Final. That came after playing 20 senior games and earning a Rising Star nomination in the same season.
But Melbourne great David Schwarz said Hartung needed to improve the defensive aspect of his game.
“His lack of pressure was the issue I think that the Hawks had problems with and just his overall toughness,” Schwarz told SEN’s The Run Home.
“But he’s got speed and he’s got the know-how. If he can get the other side of his game right, he could be a handy pick up for someone.”
Hartung can now not only be picked up as a delisted free agent, but also nominate to be taken in either the national or rookie drafts in November.
Scott Lucas, Hartung’s manager, did indicate during the AFL trade period that there had been “some interest from other clubs”.
In other Hawthorn list news, midfielder Jono O’Rourke and key backman Kurt Heatherley have signed one-year deals to remain at the Hawks.
“Jonathan had an injury interrupted season, so we trust with a full pre-season under his belt he’ll be able to perform at his best next year,” Wright said.
“Kurt had a solid year at VFL level and also managed four senior games. We hope he can continue to develop his craft as a key backman next season.”
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