HAVING worked hard to earn a place on the Hawks’ senior list, emerging midfielder and former rookie Ben McGlynn is not intending to simply make up the numbers in 2007.

And judging by his efforts during the impressive 24-point NAB Cup win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome last Sunday, the 21-year-old is determined to add to the four AFL matches he notched late in 2006.

“I was from the Bendigo Pioneers and came down and played for Box Hill under Andy Collins for two years. Then I got an opportunity to do a pre-season with Hawthorn and I was lucky enough to get picked up," McGlynn told hawthornfc.com.au.

“It’s a hard job being a rookie as you have to do all of the stuff the senior-listed blokes do.

“But it’s good that Hawthorn has given me an opportunity and I thank them very much. Now that I know I can play at that level, I just want to keep playing at this level and not go back to the VFL.

“If I have to go back (to the VFL) I’ll go back and do my best to get back into the side, but hopefully I'll go from here and play a lot of footy for Hawthorn.”McGlynn, who finished second in Box Hill’s best and fairest award last year, played across half-forward and shifted into the midfield against Melbourne. He finished with 15 disposals, yet his ability to win the ball and mop up was a feature of his play.

“That was my first hit-out for the season, so it was good to come off the bench at the 10-minute mark and have an impact and it was a good way to start off the year. I’m hoping for a big year,” McGlynn said.

“They just want me to be fit enough to be a running midfielder/half-forward, just to give a chop out for blokes like ‘Crawf' (Shane Crawford), (Sam) Mitchell and (Richie) Vandenberg, so hopefully I'll get that opportunity.”