LAUNCESTON ruckman Hamish Leedham has been on a steep learning curve this season.
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The 18-year-old, 196-centimetre tall, joined the Blues this season to play at State League level after two years at South Launceston in the colts.
The former Prospect High and Newstead College student decided against joining the new Western Storm franchise and opted for the Blues instead.
‘‘I thought Lonnie would be a nice, professional club to go to and I’ve enjoyed it,’’ he said.
‘‘All the boys are really good and are willing to give you a hand.
‘‘It was a massive step up from colts to playing seniors - so much faster and really hard to adjust for the first few games.
‘‘But the more game time you get the more you get a feel for what it is like and I have had 11 senior games this season and four in the colts.’’
Leedham said he had benefited from the advice he had received from Joe Groenwegen and Nathan O’Donoghue as he learns the ruckman’s craft.
‘‘It’s been a big learning curve but it’s good that people are willing to help you learn and my football has improved quite a bit since the start of the year I think.’’
Leedham said playing on opponents like Burnie’s Jason Laycock was a huge challenge.
‘‘That was tough - coming from the development league to the seniors against some big boys is quite a step up,’’ he said.
‘‘You learn how the big men of the comp go about their game and it’s good to learn from the best in the league.’’