Story by Chris Cavanagh
HIS last shot at AFL football was cruelled by injury, but a fit and firing Michael Hartley has his fingers crossed he might earn a second chance.
The 22-year-old Coburg defender has not only been one of the Lions’ stars this season but has been one of the standout players of the VFL competition.
Hartley spent two years on Collingwood’s rookie list after being taken at Pick 87 in the 2011 Rookie Draft.
But a spate of injuries limited him to five VFL matches in two years for the Magpies before being delisted in 2013.
Hartley then crossed to Coburg, focusing on getting his 198cm, 102kg frame in top shape.
It is not by chance he has found some stellar form. After playing 15 matches last season, he has not missed a game this year.
“He’s had a terrific year again and has been very, very consistent and I think he’ll not only be right up there for Team of the Year and those type of accolades but he’ll actually be right up there for our best and fairest,” Coburg general manager Craig Lees said.
“The fact is the draft pool is thin so clubs will be looking for mature age players in the rookie draft or even late in the national. People keep forgetting that Mick’s only 22 so he’s got plenty of footy ahead of him to go on and have an outstanding AFL career.”
Hartley has been invited to October’s AFL State Draft Combine, where AFL clubs will have the chance to take a closer look at the big man.
He also attended with high hopes last year before being overlooked.
“I was pretty pumped last year, but it didn’t work out,” Hartley said.
“So I’m just trying to take it a bit easier this year. I’m obviously still pretty pumped, but I’ve got a bit more work to do.”
Earlier this year, Hartley was in line to be an Essendon top-up player for the NAB Challenge.
That was cut short after doctors discovered weakness in the same shoulder he had two reconstructions on during his days at Collingwood.
But a physio program this year has strengthened the shoulder and Hartley is confident that won’t hold him back this time.
“There’s been nothing to worry about so far this year,” he said.
“I’ve been spoiling all right and tackling really well so it’s feeling really good.”
Hartley said his biggest focus this year had been winning more of his own ball, adamant his game had improved as a result.
“Last year I was massive on just spoiling and beating my opponent but I’ve tried to get the footy a little more, get a few more touches,” he said.
“So I’ve been trying to take a few more marks and get the footy in my hands a bit more.”
Hartley was best afield as Coburg posted a fourth straight win over Richmond in Round 18 last weekend, 11.11 (77) to 5.4 (34).
