By JARROD POTTER
BILLY Hartung had no idea he would become a Hawk.
The Dandenong Stingrays’ vice-captain Hartung, 18, from Mornington, had talked to Hawthorn throughout the season and at the AFL Draft Combine, but didn’t expect the brown-and-gold to call out his name on Thursday night.
“I only spoke to Hawthorn about half way through the year when the Nationals came around, but apart from that I didn’t really have much to do with them except I had a little interview with them at the draft camp,” Hartung said.
“It didn’t seem like they showed a heap of interest but obviously they were pretty keen when it came around.”
When Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright called Hartung’s name at pick 24, the young midfielder, surrounded by friends and family on draft night, was ecstatic.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Hartung said.
“After the first round went – there was a bit of talk about me going to St Kilda – I didn’t really know which club after that would pick me, but when my name got read out to Hawthorn I was over the moon.
“Couldn’t be any better team to go to… I’m really happy with that.”
Heading to the 2013 AFL premiers as their first pick was extremely humbling for Hartung – that the club shows that much interest in his abilities.
“I guess it’s so much of a privilege being the first pick of any club, or even being picked, but being that first pick of any club…” Hartung said.
“I can’t wait to get into the club on Monday and work my hardest and try to get the respect of the players and make a name for myself on the list.
“I guess not too many people are fortunate enough to go to a successful club when they’re first drafted so I guess I’m ecstatic to go to a club like Hawthorn that’s had such success in recent years… I get to play with the likes of (Luke) Hodge, (Sam) Mitchell and Roughy (Jarryd Roughead).
Dandenong Stingrays coach Craig Black was pleased to see the pair head into the AFL and find their way onto premiership-contending teams.
“It was really good, obviously they’ve both gone to pretty good clubs,” Black said.
“Zak going pick 15 to Sydney and Billy going to Hawthorn.
“Two clubs that are up in the top of the ladder, so I think once they get into preseason they’ll have to work pretty hard but it will be a great opportunity for them both.”
Hartung represented Victoria Country, was named Under-18 All Australian in 2013, and played 20 TAC Cup matches for the Dandenong Stingrays and was listed in the best on ground in the Stingrays 112-point grand final loss to Eastern Ranges.
