Kurt Heatherley Biography

Kurt Heatherley is desperate for a second chance to play AFL football after being delisted by Hawthorn.

"I'm praying for a second opportunity. The drive is still there and obviously I've learned so much from those premiership players," he said.

"I feel like I've done the hard yards now (after moving from New Zealand to learn the game) – not that the hard work's done, I've still got a long way to go, but I feel like I've made inroads, so I'd hate for it to finish now."

Hawthorn delist Jonathan O'Rourke, Kurt Heatherley and rookie Dallas Willsmore.

"On behalf of the club I would also like to extend our thanks to Dallas, Jonathan and Kurt for their contribution to Hawthorn," Hawthorn general manager of football Graham Wright said.

"Each of these young men has demonstrated great commitment to Hawthorn and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours."

Kurt Heatherley makes his AFL debut for Hawthorn at the MCG with 11 disposals (6 kicks and 5 handballs), 6 marks and 2 tackles in a 29-point loss to Melbourne.

Kurt Heatherley is hungry to become the first born-and-bred New Zealander to play AFL football.

Hawthorn recruiter Graham Wright first spotted Heatherly playing under-16s basketball on tour in Tasmania and tucked away the talented youngster's name as a potential international rookie.

But when the recruiter called Heatherley at school a few months later to offer a speculative career across the ditch, he was given short shrift.

"I was shooting basketball hoops at lunchtime and answered the phone and he said 'do you want to give AFL a go?'," Heatherley said.

"Because I was at boarding school I thought it was just my mates pranking me, so I pretty much hung up the phone on him.

"Another three months after that, he got hold of mum and dad and it ended up that (former Hawks president) Jeff Kennett came over and said 'hey, do you want to give this a crack?'.

"I thought it was a toss-up between basketball and this, and I thought a new challenge, something different, and if it doesn't work out or I didn't like the sport I could go back to basketball.

"I thought I'd give it a few years and see what comes of it and I haven't looked back since."

International rookie Kurt Heatherley, who has enjoyed two seasons of progress as a key defender, has been elevated to the Hawthorn's senior list.

Kurt Heatherley is the most advanced of the Kiwi players on AFL lists and is considered a strong chance to make his debut during the second half of the season.

"We've been really impressed with his ability to build game knowledge and retain it," said Damian Carroll, the head of Hawthorn's development academy.

"The fact we've got a lot of experienced defenders and experienced players means he would be able to fit in and play a role if required.

"We'd love to see that this year but we're looking at the bigger picture with Kurt and where his footy is going down the track."