Jack Scrimshaw has emerged as one of the best ball users by foot at Hawthorn.
The defender kicked the ball at just under 81 percent efficiency in 2021, a vast improvement on the 67 percent he was operating at across 2019 and 2020.
In a bid to increase his accuracy out of defence, Scrimshaw says he took inspiration from a pair of rebounding Western Bulldogs backs.
Caleb Daniel and Bailey Dale have enjoyed career best seasons in winning an All-Australian selection each and a best and fairest (Daniel) in the last two seasons, which has impressed Scrimshaw.
“I watched a lot of Bailey Dale last year,” he said on SEN Mornings.
“He was really attacking through the half-back line, with his lower, penetrating kick. I think he’s a really good kick.
“Caleb Daniel as well. Those short kicks that can really open up the opposition.
“I watched a lot of those guys and I hope that I’m improving in that area. I’ve got a bit of work to do, but I pride myself on my kicking.”
The stand rule was a topic of conversation in the first season of its inception, with plenty for it but also many critics against it.
Scrimshaw admits that he is one player who benefited from the rule change which allowed him to take on the game more frequently.
He was asked by Kane Cornes if he rates the rule.
“It did actually. I do like it,” he said.
“It allows you to get a bit more metreage when trying to kick long or get away from your opponent.
“I was a fan of it.”
Scrimshaw, 23, is entering his fourth season with the Hawks and will play a key role as a rebounder in a talented defence alongside the likes of the much improved Changkuoth Jiath, the rugged Blake Hardwick, the returning James Sicily and young gun Will Day.