Hartlett, whose older brother Adam has been on Carlton’s list for the past four years, is set to join the big league this weekend.
The 18-year-old is among the gun midfielders in this year’s draft pool, with many astute observers viewing the youngster as a likely top-10 selection.
Just where Hartlett lands won’t be known until about 10.30am on Saturday morning. But the silky-smooth onballer isn’t especially fussed whether he gets to stay in his native Adelaide or whether he has to pack his bags – all he wants is a chance to play at the top level.
“It’s still three or four days’ out so the nerves haven’t quite kicked in yet,” Hartlett told afl.com.au.
“I’m sure over the next couple of days they’ll start to build up a bit and they’ll probably get the better of me ... I’m keeping it pretty cool at the moment.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity, no matter what way you look at it."
While the 'interstate factor' is sometimes viewed as a problem when taking young players far from their homes, Hartlett says a different environment could be a real positive in his development.
“Moving interstate could be really beneficial for you … You become more independent and then again staying at home with your family and your friends and just knowing the area around you is obviously going to be a great help as well when you’re fitting into a new environment.
“So either way, I think it’s got its upside and its downside for sure.”
In coming weeks Hartlett will join an AFL club where he will begin the hard slog of his first pre-season in the national competition.
That is a far cry from the cricket grounds in which he has been used to spending his summer weekends in recent years.
Despite showing an obvious talent for the sport, the gifted midfielder never considered making cricket his number one aim.
“I used to play a little bit of state cricket … just recently it’s been on the backstep, I suppose, with footy being the 100 per cent focus of where I want to go with my sport,” Hartlett said.
“I got to the state level at under-15s age and went away to Tasmania to play at the championships over there.
“For me it was always footy. I’m not really the sort of bloke who enjoys standing out in the field for six hours, so I’d prefer to be up and doing something all the time.
“Footy produces that … You’re in the action all the time and that’s something I really love about footy. Especially being around your mates as well.”
Having had a glimpse of life as an AFL footballer – via his brother – has also provided a spur.
“I think I could get used to it pretty easily,” Hartlett said of the professional footballer’s lifestyle.
“I’ve been down to [Carlton] and had a look around … I went down and watched them train a few times and got an insight into what it’s like down there … that’s been really beneficial I think.”
While certain he wants a career at the top level, the uncertainty of his destination remains.
“Especially this year, there’s guys coming from left, right and centre that have snuck up behind you a little bit,” Hartlett said.
“Even Jack [Watts] probably doesn’t know where he’s going 100 per cent yet.
“I’m keeping a pretty open mind to it all and I think that’s the approach that everyone’s got to go into it with. You could end up anywhere, so it’s going to be really exciting on the day obviously as well.”
Jason McCartney on Hamish Hartlett:
When you look at sheer talent alone, Hamish is probably in the top three or four in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft; he has exquisite skills and balance.
In South Australia's first game against Tasmania at the Adelaide Oval I remember the ball being loose at half-forward and, with opposition players around him, he somehow reached in and grabbed it away from two Tassie players, did a blind turn and nailed the goal from 50m off two steps.
It was actually a bit frustrating watching him in those first two games of the championships because everything he did was quality, but he just wasn't getting enough of the ball. It was no coincidence that when SA did better later in the tournament, Hamish had two really good games.
He's very laid back and he's a great kid, but he's just needs … to be a little bit more meticulous in his preparation. He's a super talent though; he's a ripper and he'll be a great pick-up for someone.
