HAMISH HARTLETT is in the midst of his tenth pre-season of AFL football, and says a positional change has been the catalyst for his rejuvenated approach to footy.

Hartlett made the move to defence in 2017 – with the emergence of Sam Powell-Pepper in the midfield – and believes a role off half-back is a position that suits him the best.

“The shift in position last season to half-back has renewed my energy,” Hartlett told FIVEaa’s Rowey and Bicks.

“I’m really enjoying my footy and playing some decent football back there.

“The body feels fantastic and my mind is very much refreshed. I’m very much looking forward to my tenth year in the big league.”

The 27-year-old has spent the entire pre-season to date with the defensive group, learning his craft from the coaching staff and experienced defenders.

“It’s been a solid 12 months of learning my craft under Nathan Bassett the (defensive) coach, Tommy Jonas and these types of blokes who have been around for a while,” he said.

“I can have short, sharp spells of running at high intensity – get a little spell when the ball is in our forward line, then get ready to go again.

“It’s a position that suits me really well.”

Hartlett has been really impressed by Port Adelaide’s recruits this pre-season, and says the feeling around the club is as exciting as it has been in the ten years he’s been involved.

“We have added 11 or 12 fresh faces to the team, who have all brought a great energy to the group,” he said.

“A lot of the guys who we have brought in are senior players from other teams – they’ve brought a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“The experience mixed in with the enthusiasm of the draftees has been really fantastic and has certainly freshened the place up.”

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...