The hard luck story of the AFL grand final, Hawthorn's Billy Hartung, says his coach's reassurance lessens the pain of missing selection.
Hartung was told by coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday afternoon he wouldn't be playing in Saturday's season decider against West Coast at the MCG.
The young midfielder makes way with fit-again forward Jack Gunston coming back into the side and Ryan Schoenmakers playing in his first grand final in seven years with the Hawks.
Appearing at Friday's grand final parade, Hartung admitted missing out on the showpiece match was tough but he said Clarkson told him there was plenty of time left in his AFL career to play in the last match of the season.
"I can't sit on it, I've just got to move on and support the boys, I'm not the only one that's ever been in this position," he said.
"I'm only 20 years old ... to be able to break into a premiership team and play most games, it's something I can hang my hat on."
Clarkson said he felt for Hartung but every finals series had hard-luck stories.
"That's the case every time when you're stretched (in) the last part of the season and it's perhaps a good reflection of the depth of these two sides," he said.
"Some very good players are sitting on the emergency list for both clubs."
Hartung said he had been counselled by senior players, including captain Luke Hodge as he prepares to watch his side on the biggest match of the year rather than play in it.
The 20-year-old featured in 18 home and away matches for the Hawks, and was substitute in the club's finals victories over Adelaide and Fremantle.
Ironically, the speedster's best match this season may have been Hawthorn's round 19 win over the Eagles when he gathered 21 touches and kicked two goals at crucial moments.
Hartung said while his name isn't listed in the 22, he would spend the 24 hours in the lead-up to the match as if he would be lacing up.
"I've got to prepare as if I'm playing still," he said.
"There's still 24 hours to the game and you never know, a player gets sick or a player gets injured.
"Hodgey has already told me that and a few of the other boys, that funnier things have happened before."
Defender Josh Gibson said Gunston had to play as the club's leading goalscorer but it didn't make it any easier for Hartung to deal with.
"It's a heartbreak story for him and you don't want there to be one but Gunners is good to go and he's a starter," he said.
"Billy unfortunately has been the one that's missed out but he's played 20 games for us this year and been a massive contributor."
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