News Sky is the limit for Heatherley

[starbux]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/119681/default.aspx

HAVING watched more up-and-coming young footballers than almost anyone, AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan knows a player when he sees one.

And pleasingly for Hawthorn, Sheehan really likes the look of 16 year-old New Zealander Kurt Heatherley.

Heatherley is the first of three gifted athletes spotted by the Hawks on talent-finding missions across the Tasman and signed to international scholarships.

All going to plan, he could be playing on the MCG in brown and gold come season 2013.

 

[go hawks!!!]

Saw him at training last week, a big boy. Hope he continues to develop and plays a part in our future.

 

[Buddy Guy]

This kid is a really exciting prospect.
I have a really good feeling about this one.
There is a lot to look forward to as Hawks supporters.

 

[Boyler_Room]

Great news, can't wait to see him suited up in Brown and Gold.

 

[Rowie6]

I love the foresight that the hawks have shown with embracing the New Zealand idea.I hope we can add another few boys this year aswell.

 

[Hawkzzz]

The reason this kid is special is because he has remarkable balance, athleticism and multiple attributes that only elite sportsmen possess.

Most importantly, he has rejected a virtual walk up start in the NZ All Blacks and left home to play footy here and train with the Hawks....at 16 yrs of age.

That's as rare as Hen's teeth. Dedication A+++. When you add that with natural talent, it usually results in something special.

 

[Hawks1994]

That is a great report. I hope he reads the article and sees that people think he has genuine talent and I hope he continues to give it his all. Same goes for the other two New Zealand youngsters. I really hope they can all make it to the AFL and become stars. Good signs early...........
Its a great few years to come for Hawks supporters!!!!!!!!

 

[KermitJagger]

Reviving this thread to remind everyone on this board about Heatherley's potential. I still back Sheehan's knowledge of kids in against anyone else, let this bloke develop and see what he makes of AFL footy.

 

[Steven Tyler]

I like his competitiveness and aggression

Just think his skill level isn't high enough to make it

 

[KermitJagger]

I like his competitiveness and aggression

Just think his skill level isn't high enough to make it

Better than Brand, I've never seen someone look so awkward handballing.

 

[threesixpio]

Hasnt got many games in spite of a pretty depleted backline

 

[KermitJagger]

Hasnt got many games in spite of a pretty depleted backline

All the more confusing, considering he's performed consistently at VFL level for a while.

 

[Happy_Hawker]

Heatherly will play this week, in for Gibson

 

[threesixpio]

Heatherly will play this week, in for Gibson

Although Birch is coming in, if you're thinking "like for like" Heatherly is clearly the obvious Gibbo replacement

 

[Steven Tyler]

Better than Brand, I've never seen someone look so awkward handballing.

Brand can compete in the air with the tall forwards
Heatherley can't

 

[Walshawk]

Laughable to think he ever would have been a 'walk up start for the All Blacks', especially given his body type.
Skill leve and decision making no good.
Which is what you would expect for anyone who did not grow up with a Sherrin in their hand.