“It’s been an unreal experience.”
New Box Hill Hawks recruit, and previous Captain of the Dandenong Stingrays, Lockie Williams says he is really pleased with his personal pre-season so far.
“Overall, I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’m going. I feel a lot fitter than I was coming into this time last year.”
“I’ve been really happy with my general fitness and also my whole body, just ensuring its 100% and kept up to scratch for every single training session.”
“It’s definitely a step-up coming from Dandenong and the TAC system but it’s been really good.”
Head Coach Marco Bello has been very impressed with Williams and his efforts thus far which in-turn has led to Williams being invited to train with Hawthorn at Waverley Park.
“Lockie’s come in and he’s a very athletic type so he’s shown his wares in the running side of things. He’s also done a few trials down at Hawthorn and he’s acquitted himself very well. He’s a great leader at such a young age so we’re really pleased with him.”
For Williams, such an experience has been an exciting and invaluable learning curve.
“It’s been an unreal experience. It was pretty crazy the first time I went to Waverley Park, just meeting all the guys like Sam Mitchell, Hodge and Rioli and seeing the presence they bring to training.”
“Just to see how the elite of elite go about their business and how driven they are personally, it’s not the coaches doing all the work.”
Williams thinks his involvement with Hawthorn will have a very positive effect on his game in 2016 and is excited for the season ahead.
“Hawthorn and Box Hill are very similar in the way they structure up so I’ve definitely got a better understanding of certain points I have to run to, how to create space, but also just my reaction time in terms of getting rid of the footy and making good decisions.”
“Overall I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s definitely been a step up from Box Hill but I’ve definitely taken some really good notes out of it.”
Having this exposure at Hawthorn and gaining knowledge and understanding of their similar game plan, will allow Williams to use this in his training and game time at Box Hill.
Looking ahead to the start of the season, Williams is definitely one to watch.
