Tassie teen Jackson Callow takes his game to new heights at Hawthorn

Tasmanian Jackson Callow has just two weeks to impress AFL club Hawthorn – and he is already off to a glowing start.

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IT’S the most important job interview of his life and if Jackson Callow has his way, by the end of next week he will be signed, sealed and delivered as a brand new Hawk.

The Tasmanian teenager was invited to Hawthorn as a preseason “train-on” player with a view to filling the very fast boots of recently retired Hawk Tom Scully.

The 18-year-old Tasmania Devil and North Launceston TSL premiership player arrived at Hawthorn on Sunday for a two-week trial period as the Hawks look to replace Scully.

Tom Scully has retired form the Hawks. Picture: Michael Klein

After playing in the TSL grand final for North Launceston last October, Callow’s plan was to play for Norwood in the SANFL this season to try to get noticed by AFL recruiters after being overlooked in the AFL Draft in December.

An aggressive key forward for the Devils and Northern Bombers, Callow had not even kicked a ball in anger for Norwood before he was whisked away to Hawthorn.

“I’m loving it,” Callow said.

“It’s a real eye-opener, that’s for sure.

“I’ve been in Adelaide for the past month training for Norwood and this has been even more of a step up going to Hawthorn.

“I just want to get as much out of it as I can, improve my skills and make the most of my opportunity because I’ve got experienced coaches to help me develop my game.

“If I am unlucky enough not to get a contract I can go back to South Australia and take those skills with me and play even better over there.”

Devils forward Jackson Callow at Invermay Park. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The biggest difference between TSL, SANFL and AFL was intensity, Callow said.

“It’s the volume of training and the intensity and speed of the game and the players,” he said.

“All the boys have gotten around me and been really friendly.

“I met [Hawks coach] Alastair Clarkson and he’s a great bloke, a great coach, and he’s been really good.

“I got to meet [Hawks director or coaching] Brendon Bolton and I’ve spoken to him about footy and stuff from home, because he used to play for North Launceston.

“He’s helping me through the two weeks as well.”