AFL: Jack Scrimshaw on his pre-season, Hawthorn’s challenges in defence
Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw has spoken openly on the changes he has made during the pre-season as he aims to “make the most” of his career.
AFL
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No Hawthorn player may have looked at himself harder in the mirror this pre-season than Jack Scrimshaw.
After 79 games for his boyhood club after crossing from the Gold Coast Suns, the 25-year-old defender is determined to be part of the club’s next successful era.
Pushed to do more by coach Sam Mitchell and his staff, Scrimshaw has delivered a career best pre-season.
“I’m probably at that point of my career where I need to make the most of what I’ve got,” he said.
“Last couple of years I’ve had a couple of okay years, nothing that I’ve wanted to get out of them.
“I want to get to the end of my career and not have any regrets. I think that’s been an important part of the mentality piece this off-season.”
The former Sandringham Dragon was in and out of the Hawks’ side in the first half of 2023, Scrimshaw was able to consolidate a place in defence late in the season.
In a bid to carry on that form into this year, Scrimshaw embarked on an off-season training camp to America alongside teammates including Will Day, Dylan Moore and Changkuoth Jiath.
He believes it was the starting point for the most consistent preparation he has enjoyed, completing every session.
It all came down to changing the “little things” he has looked to improve each year.
“Bit of luck, bit of change the way that I’ve trained, change of habits,” he said.
“Every off-season you sit down with the coaches and work out what you want to improve on.
“Years gone by it’s been me trying to put on some strength, put on some size. Being able to really put my head down this off-season and recognise I’ve got a bit of size on me.
“Now it’s about trying to improve my running capabilities which will obviously add to my versatility, allowing me to play as a higher half-back, being able to run out games better.
“It’s a taxing game, it’s a matter of getting fitter and perform consistently each week.”
With injuries upsetting Hawthorn’s defensive structure – along with Blake Hardwick’s shift forward – Scrimshaw looms as one of the more experienced heads in the back six alongside skipper James Sicily.
The Beaumaris product is just happy to be playing footy.
“I’m quite open to playing any sort of role. I’m quite comfortable playing tall or small, wherever Sam wants me to play,” he said.
“The injuries have meant opportunities have arisen for other guys.
“We need everyone this year. Obviously every club experiences injuries, ours have come early on in the piece.
“It hurts a little bit but we’re quite optimistic about what the other guys can do.”
Hawks defensive coach Kade Simpson believes Scrimshaw will play a key role.
“Offensively and defensively, he can have a big say in how we go this year,” he told the club’s website.
“He has put himself in a really good spot to have a good year.”
Hawthorn will take on the Western Bulldogs as part of the AFL’s Community Series in Launceston on Saturday.
The game will start at 6.10pm.
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Originally published as AFL: Jack Scrimshaw on his pre-season, Hawthorn’s challenges in defence
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