Mitch Hibberd isn’t shying away from a challenge while in search of a recall to North Melbourne’s senior side.
The strong bodied 21-year-old has shifted in a deeper role in recent weeks, filling the void left by key defensive pillar Sam Durdin, sidelined with a fractured tibia.
Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the role, Hibberd is relishing the opportunity to fast-track his development.
“It’s nice to have that versatility,” Hibberd told North Media.
“Earlier in the year, I was playing higher up the ground and playing on smaller blokes. Since ‘Durds’ has come out, I’ve been a little bit undersized, playing on talls and a little deeper as well.
“My main focus has been to defend hard and when I get the chance, to drop off and support the boys. Although I probably prefer playing up the ground, I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“I’m happy to do whatever I can to help the team and fill my role.”
Revered for his ability to quickly cover distance between contests, Hibberd believes a willingness to adapt to North’s structure, which mirrors that of the AFL side, will boost his chances for selection.
“Showing that I can play where I’m needed is really important,” he said.
“I want to be able to play several positions and have the ability to play my role, wherever they put me. My form of late has been good, I’m happy with the last few weeks.
“It’s pretty hard to get a spot at the moment, the boys are going very well. I’m happy with how I’m going, I’ve been able to take a few more marks, but at the same time, I haven’t really thought too much about it.
“I think that if I’m able to play several positions, it helps and makes my chances better of getting that recall.”
After a series of impressive performances in the VFL, Hibberd is looking to capitalise on his current momentum with a strong finish to the season, with one eye on a potential finals’ berth.
“We’ve got a few tough games coming up in Williamstown and Footscray coming up,” he said.
“I still think we’re a good chance of making finals, but we want to finish up the year with some good wins. It’s been frustrating to see us beat some top teams, but we’ve had some terrible losses along the way.
“We’re probably going to look back and remember a few games that we could’ve won. But even with that, the boys take a lot of confidence out of some of the wins we’ve had this year.
“We’ve proved we can match it, we’ve just got to do it for longer periods.”
As his focus continues to centre around areas for development, Hibberd cited a desire to become an elite presence with drawing contested footy.
“A big focus for me this year has been my work on contested ball,” he said.
“Fighting through the tackle and things similar to that, it’s a big area that I’ve been looking to improve in. I feel like I’ve improved that a fair bit and it’s something I continue to work on.
“With someone of my size, I want to make it an elite strength.”
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Williamstown at Avalon Airport Oval, with the first bounce at 2.00pm. Entry to home games is free for NMFC members.
