Litherland hopeful of another crack at AFL level ahead of drafts

Delisted Hawthorn defender Angus Litherland believes he still has plenty to offer as several AFL clubs weigh up giving the Great Southern product a second chance in Friday’s national draft or Monday’s pre-season and rookie drafts.

Litherland, who played junior football with Ongerup, Royals and Albany, was cut by the Hawks after six seasons where he played 25 games and kicked one goal.

The rebounding defender made his debut in 2014 and went on to play 13 games that season before managing just six in 2015 and six matches again this year.

Litherland struggled to lock down a permanent place in the Hawks backline over the past two seasons, competing for spots against several premiership players.

Returning from a month-long holiday in the United States, a refreshed Litherland was hopeful of resuming his AFL career with another club.

“At this stage there is a bit of interest around from clubs,” Litherland said.

“Clubs are working out what they’re looking for in the draft and then what they need after that.

“If clubs are looking for a mature-age recruit to play off half-back I’m ready to go, and although some clubs have said no there are just as many who are interested.

“I’m happy to go wherever, anything can happen so it’s a bit of a waiting game at the moment.”

The 24-year-old said although it was disappointing his time at the Hawks had ended he was extremely grateful for the opportunity.

“There is a bit of disappointment because it felt like I could have given a bit more,” he said.

“But I’m very keen to get another crack at it.

“It was frustrating not getting a good run at it but just being at the club in such a dominant era you learn from the best and it was such a good experience.”

Litherland played in a premiership with Box Hill, the Hawks VFL affiliate, in 2013 along with grand final appearances in 2014 and 2015.

He was selected by the Hawks with pick 55 in the 2010 national draft, among a crop of WA players that included David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Jack Darling and Reece Conca.