REJUVENATED Hawthorn half-forward Shane Savage says a five-game stint at VFL level helped him rediscover his confidence.
Since his recall to the Hawks' senior team in round 13, Savage has been in top form, booting nine goals and, just as importantly, laying 19 tackles in four games.
The 22-year-old's impressive return has come after a challenging start to 2013, in which he was repeatedly handed the green substitute's vest, making it difficult to gather momentum.
Dropped after round five with instructions from coach Alastair Clarkson simply to go back and enjoy his football, Savage did just that.
He will play his 50th AFL game against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday in a perfect frame of mind.
"There was no pressure when I went back to Box Hill," Savage told AFL.com.au this week.
"I could just go back and do my thing, and also help out the side, which was awesome.
"I really enjoyed my time there, and got the spark back.
"It was exactly what I needed."
Recruited by Hawthorn at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the Noble Park product played nine senior games in his first year with the club.
But it was in 2011 when he emerged as one of several youngsters – along with Isaac Smith, Paul Puopolo, Liam Shiels and Matt Suckling – adding enthusiasm and a sense of unknown to a team that had battled to find top gear after the premiership year of 2008.
Continuing that trajectory, however, proved a challenge as expectations started to take hold.
"[In 2011] I put no pressure on myself, and I was really enjoying my footy," Savage said.
"I guess 2012 wasn't my best year, and I think I was putting a bit too much pressure on myself to perform.
"In the last month I've taken that pressure off, and just gone out and backed myself, and it's going my way at the moment."
As well as clearing his mind, Savage also used his time away from the senior team to put on some extra weight.
Knowing how highly Clarkson values versatility, he wants to ensure he's not just seen as an outside player.
Winning a balance of contested ball is a priority, and something he has worked on.
The other focus for Savage, now that he is back in the team, is to stay there.
The dropping of veteran midfielder Brad Sewell last week was a reminder that no-one is safe, as players clamour to take hold of a place for the finals.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it sometimes," Savage said.
"There's still times where I have a few moments after the game where I'm thinking, 'Will I be all right?'
"The depth on our list this year has been the best that it has been in a long time, so you have to keep performing otherwise someone is going to come into your place.
"But I can't get trapped into that sort of stuff.
"I've just got to keep playing my role. If I do that, I think I'm a good chance."
