The 27-year-old's AFL journey looked to be over when the Western Bulldogs ended a nine-year relationship that yielded 45 senior appearances at the end of last season, but then the Hawks swooped.
"It's a huge relief to get the opportunity to play AFL footy again," Skipper says.
"It's what I've always wanted to do and I couldn't be more thankful to the club for giving me a chance.
"The mature-age rookie rule was what allowed me to get that chance which is great. It's benefited a few players now and it makes other guys realise that you don't have to be 18 or 19 years old to be able to play AFL footy."
Long-term injuries to Simon Taylor and Max Bailey depleted Hawthorn's ruck stocks, but Skipper was unable to leap straight in to lend a hand thanks to a major hamstring injury sustained on the eve of the season.
He admits it was a bitter pill to swallow at the time, but he didn't waste any time feeling sorry for himself and reaped the benefits of a solid eight-week rehabilitation from surgery when he received a call-up for the round eight clash against Richmond.
"I was pretty nervous before that first game, but it was great to get a win and I'm just trying to slowly build into it," he says.
"I feel like I don't have as much expectation on myself and can just do my bit for the team. It's great to be in the side, but I really want to be a strong contributor.
"It was great to be able to sing the song, but I was lucky the first time because Shaun Burgoyne was in there as well and he had absolutely no idea how it went. I've got it down pat now."
Skipper is yet to taste defeat as a Hawk and feels rejuvenated by his new surroundings.
At 194cm he's always had to bring a few tricks out of the bag against bigger-bodied opponents and he's been buoyed by the advice that's been available to him.
"It's been great to learn off guys like Damian Monkhorst, Robbie Campbell and the injured ruck guys as well. They've been able to help me focus on certain areas and hopefully it will continue in the right direction," he said.
"The thing with Clarko as well is that he just doesn't want you to play one role. He expects you to be able to play in two or three so if I can assist up forward as well as well as helping Brent Renouf out in the ruck I'll be happy."
Skipper received Williamstown's best and fairest award in his last year at the Dogs, so he feels he definitely has a lot to offer.
He admits he was disappointed by the lack of opportunities in his last two seasons at Whitten Oval and will relish the opportunity to go up against his old side in round 14.
Not that he harbours any resentment against the club that gave him his first chance back in 2000, he fondly recalls his time 'growing up' there, but there is certainly an element of unfinished business.
As for his goals beyond this season, Skipper isn't thinking that far ahead, but you shouldn't bet against one of the game's great survivors continuing his journey.
"I think it's about hard work more than anything," he replies when asked about his longevity in the game.
"You don't stay in the AFL system for 10 years if you're lazy. I think I've shown an ability to change things up and not just be happy with what's going on with training and things like that.
"I'm always trying to find different ways to improve myself."
