Struggling St Kilda youngster Paddy McCartin should take comfort from someone who's been in his shoes: 'you'll be just fine, kid'.
Geelong star Tom Hawkins thinks the former No.1 draft pick will navigate his early-career growing pains successfully to become a great player for the Saints.
Hawkins endured a similarly difficult period when he started out, before finding his feet to become one of the game's pre-eminent power forwards.
The two-time premiership player has some kind words for McCartin, who has had well-documented struggles with form and fitness, ahead of Friday night when he plays his 200th AFL game.
"(He) went No.1 and has had a lot of pressure on him, but I'm really confident he's going to find his way through this slump," Hawkins said.
"It will certainly make him a better player.
"I really think that he's going to be a great, powerful key forward in the next 10 years.
"I have no doubt that he will eventually find his way."
McCartin, 21, has played 21 senior games in three AFL seasons and is yet to kick more than two goals in a match.
Hawkins said he reached a turning point in his career at the same age.
"I had a good mentor and good coaches that helped guide me because, as a 21-year-old, and every player is different, I didn't know how to be an AFL footballer," he said.
"So there were changes for me right across the board - it wasn't just out on the footy field.
"I don't know enough about what he needs to change but he'll work through it.
"When I see him play, I see he's got strengths ... when he leads up at the ball, he's a great contested mark, he's smart, he kicks the ball really well and he's got good hands.
"I think Paddy's going to be a great player. St Kilda are handling it really well and he'll find his way."
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