DEFENDER Kyle Cheney has no intention of giving up his spot in a strong Hawthorn line-up without a fight.
But he knows he has to keep performing well to stake a legitimate claim when premiership defenders such as Ben Stratton and Brian Lake return from injury and suspension.
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"I'm in it [the team] at the moment so someone has got to kick me out," Cheney told AFL.com.au. "As long as I keep playing well, hopefully it's a tough decision for the coaches in a few weeks."
Having just played a significant role in the Hawks’ four-point victory over Essendon, with a gallant job on tall forward Jake Carlisle who kicked two goals from free kicks, Cheney’s heart was racing.
It was no wonder, given he had spent the night competing in marking duels despite conceding 11cm in height to Carlisle.
But his mind was clear of worry and niggles were not hurting as much as they might have after a loss.
A team player with an understanding that football is about playing your role and helping each other out when necessary, Cheney deserved praise.
He got it from coach Alastair Clarkson who said he did a good job, given Cheney was head and shoulders below his opponent.
Cheney said he never panicked when battling Carlisle, even when the ball came in high and long, because he knew help was always at hand.
"[It's} just [because of] the trust in the other five guys in defence that are around you and the ability some of those guys have got to help you out. You are not always just one out with your direct opponent. It is the back six working together," Cheney said.
Even when Essendon made a charge after half-time and Luke Hodge left the ground injured, the back six stuck to its task.
"We didn't panic. We stayed quite composed and stuck to what we knew would work and didn't get carried away or caught up in the moment," Cheney said.
It would have been easy for Cheney to get caught in the moment given the unfamiliar circumstances he found himself in.
Before Friday night's four-point win over the Bombers, the 24-year-old had never been in a team that won a game by less than a goal.
He said the win was "right up there" as the most enjoyable of his 34-game career.
"I have not played in too many close games like that especially on a Friday night on the big stage - it's a great experience," Cheney said.
Although he has yet to make the leap from very good VFL footballer to consistent AFL player, Cheney is well respected at Hawthorn for his understated approach.
He is the sort of player that strong clubs in competitive eras have waiting around when injuries strike.
You suspect Clarkson likes what Cheney offers: an honest, competitive effort regardless of whether the odds are stacked against him or not.
