In the midst of a tough year for Hawthorn, Denver Grainger-Barras looms as a shining light for the future.
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Hawthorn's first top-10 draft pick in 15 years, the 19-year-old was made to wait until round 15 for his senior debut, but has looked comfortable at AFL level from day dot.
The Western Australian's four games to date have already prompted ex-premiership duo Kane Cornes and Xavier Ellis to label him a star in the making, but the man himself is just happy to keep learning from coaches and teammates.
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"It's crazy - four games now and it's just been amazing," Grainger-Barras said.
"I've worked really closely with Chris Newman, who's the backline coach, focusing on positioning ... he's been really instrumental, but also the senior players at Hawthorn are really helpful with that.
"Whenever a coach isn't available they're the first people to help you out if you need to understand something.
"Sam Frost is someone I lean on regularly for understanding, same with Kyle Hartigan - they can be pretty stern with their feedback and I think that's really good.
"I know that they're going to be honest with me and want me to get better."
After debuting with a win over GWS, Grainger-Barras played game two in Launceston - a 62-point loss to Fremantle.
With UTAS Stadium hosting Hawthorn games against Collingwood next weekend and Western Bulldogs the week after, he could well play four of his first seven games in Tasmania.
"My grandad on my mum's side lives in Hobart, so I've been down there once or twice. I've always loved it - the scenery, the rolling hills.
"On the Friday night [before Fremantle] we went for a walk around the city and it was a really cool place to be around - it reminds me very much of back home, very Perth-like.
"I really liked it - it felt very homey and warm, despite it actually being freezing cold.
"I loved the deck [at UTAS Stadium], I loved the atmosphere, the crowd were crazy - it was a great experience."
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One of the most highly-touted youngsters at last year's draft, Grainger-Barras is one of many AFL footballers who were also talented cricketers as juniors.
The former Swan Districts star chose to pursue football in his mid-teens and hasn't looked back.
"From a very young age I was torn between cricket and footy - I loved both games.
"I loved the challenge of football, the dynamics and how much it was respected in Australia so I thought I'd stick with that and I'm glad I did - I love it to this day."
Grainger-Barras' Hawks host Brisbane at UTAS Stadium at 2.10pm on Sunday.