Former Federals Football Club player turned Greater Western Sydney rookie Ian 'Bobby' Hill is itching to make his AFL debut with the side that is currently sitting third on the ladder.
Speaking to the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate during a visit to Northam last week, the 19-year-old said he is applying himself on the field in hopes of a call-up in the coming weeks.
"I feel a lot fitter than I did coming into the draft," Hill said.
"I'm starting to get into form now.
"I'm playing some good footy and hopefully I'll get a chance to play my first game pretty soon.
"I've been speaking to the coach and he's been giving me some pointers and I've been doing that on the footy field."
Hill said his main focus has been improving his tackling and pressure.
"It is good seeing the boys winning but it makes it harder watching and not being other there with them," he said.
"Over the past couple of years the rookies have had a lot of game time because of injuries but this year it has been harder with everyone being fit, firing and ready to go."
The small-forward, who grew up in Northam before moving to Perth, was picked by GWS as pick number 24 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft in November.
He said he has adjusted well to being away from his support network in the Avon Valley.
"It's good to be back to see the family and friends," he said.
"I'm loving Sydney - it's a good lifestyle.
"I've made some really good friends over there now especially with some of the boys I was drafted with.
"All of the boys have made me feel welcome."
Hill returned to full training in February this year following a troubling right shoulder that needed surgery.
"Currently my training is more about recovery and looking after the body.
"Coming from shoulder surgery I am doing my rehab, keeping fit and eating the right food."
Since making the move east the teenager has regularly visited Northam, taking time out to run clinics and visit his old primary school Avonvale.
