Boyd. Morris. Giansiracusa. Murphy. You don't have to look far around the Kennel to find role models as an emerging footballer, but sometimes there's only lessons an opponent can teach.
Mitch Wallis stepped into the on-field classroom of Aurora Stadium last Saturday, and after four quarters going head-to-head with Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, he emerged a more informed student of the game.
“It’s just his direction, he didn’t stop talking for the whole game," said Wallis of the 220-game Hawthorn veteran.
"He was helping teammates, he got to the right spots and defended well - when they needed someone to stand up, he’s the one that did it.”
Hodge's work rate was something else etched firmly in 20-year-old Wallis' mind.
“I know some people have natural ball winning ability but it comes down to how willing they are to put in the work and how hard they will push their bodies,” he said.
“You can do all the pre-season training and running in the world but if you don’t have the workrate and the work ethic in the game then it doesn’t mean anything.
“Those players are very good on the track but they are even better when they are playing, when they push themselves and work themselves into the next contest.”
Experience might have been one thing Wallis gave away to the Hawthorn champion, but that imbalance wasn't reflected on the stats sheet.
Wallis collected 15 disposals, going at 94% efficiency, while also effecting five clearances and two tackles.
Hodge claimed 18 disposals – four below his season average – under the close checking of Wallis, but also kicked two goals.
While having a defensive role to play, Wallis was acutely aware throughout the match that he couldn't be intimated by the reputation of his opponent, and had to force him too to be accountable.
“I have a run with role but also [want to] add value for the team and have an influence offensively, so I am still finding that balance.
“The best players are the ones that can hurt you offensively, while also taking their opponent out of the game.”
