Kyle Hartigan is an obvious replacement for Ben Rutten at full-back when the veteran defender retires. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited
UPGRADED rookie Kyle Hartigan has credited Ben "Truck'' Rutten for much of the sharp rise in form that earned him a spot on the senior list and will continue to seek his counsel.
Hartigan has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Rutten when the veteran full-back retires but today dismissed suggestions he was ready to fight him for the spot.
Instead, Hartigan said he would seek to learn as much as possible from Rutten.
"Truck's still going really well; he's had a really good pre-season,'' Hartigan said.
"It's going to be healthy that we've got a good bunch of back guys fighting for spots and pushing each other along.
"I just need to focus on learning as much as I can from Truck.
"Not that I need to wrestle it (the spot) away from him or anything like that. I just need to play good footy and what will happen, will happen.
"Truck's been around for a long time and he's got a wealth of experience.
"If I can learn as much as he knows while he's still here, then that will be really good for me.''
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