It often takes a while for AFL recruits to feel comfortable at their new club but for Billy Hartung, the transition into North has been seamless.
Hartung, who was drafted with pick 77 in this year’s NAB AFL Draft after being delisted by Hawthorn, is feeling right at home less than three weeks after earning a fresh contract.
“It’s a little bit nerve-wracking, it’s almost like your first day of school,” he told RSN on Monday morning.
“You want to get in there and put your best foot forward and make a good impression on the team.
“It’s been a couple of weeks now and it’s gone pretty quick. I’ve really enjoyed my time at North so far.”
The 22-year-old has wasted no time making his presence felt on the training track, winning the Yo-Yo test last week, and finishing second behind Mitchell Hibberd in the 2 kilometre time-trial four days later.
“You can’t win them all,” Hartung joked.
“I think just working hard out on the track is the easiest way to (make good impressions).”
As well as maintaining high standards at training, Hartung feels he can pass-on some of the lessons he learnt at Hawthorn to his younger teammates.
“I guess being at Hawthorn for four years I can bring a bit of knowledge as well,” Hartung said.
“It’s a pretty young list at the moment so every chance I get to speak up or have my say I generally do so. I think that’s probably the easiest way to get the respect of the players and fit in.”
Despite the basic training structures of North and Hawthorn being similar, Hartung is enjoying the slight variations in the sessions.
“It’s pretty similar, but the training’s a little bit different,” Hartung said.
“Obviously the drills are different, so I’m enjoying the variety of drills they have. It’s a good change-up from doing the same stuff you do for four years.”
The name-learning process was made slightly easier for Hartung in the early days, with the recruit reuniting with some junior footy teammates.
“I knew a few players,” Hartung said.
“I knew Luke McDonald and Taylor Garner from playing Under 18’s with them.
“I played TAC Cup with Taylor, and then I played representative footy for Victoria with Luke.
“It was certainly nice to walk into the club and see a few familiar faces.”
Hartung will have the chance to prove how well he’s bonded with his new teammates when North take on Melbourne in the first JLT Community Series match on February 24.
