Hawthorn forward Dylan Moore believes a 2022 pre-season meeting with Craig McRae was the tonic for his self-belief at the top level.
Moore will play his 150th game at the top level when the Hawks do battle with Brisbane in Saturday evening's preliminary final.
After just 10 games in his first three years, Moore has become a staple of Hawthorn's attack since 2021, playing at least 20 games in every season.
“I had a good game at the end of the year in 2020 against Gold Coast, but they didn't really show up that day, so I got a bit lucky, but that was the first moment where I (realised) I could impact a game," Moore said.
"Then, Craig McRae came to the club as our forward line coach, and he sat down with me and said, 'Why did you get drafted?' and I said, 'Hard work, footy IQ', and he goes ', Alright, let's focus on that this pre-season and see how you go.
"And then that year I played 20 games, felt more comfortable. I was in the best 23 and from then onwards (I felt comfortable).
"I think continuity is so important in football, and the more you play, the more you can relax before a game and (think) 'I'm good enough.'
"He helped me create a role in the side to show my strengths.
"Fly was massive on (my strengths). He said, 'Bring your strengths to every training session, work hard, and we'll see how you go', and that was a big one.
"I've been working on my contested marking or my left foot for way too long when I need to get a little bit fitter, a little bit better around goals - they were already good but make them great."
The 2024 All-Australian believes a subtle mindset shift has allowed him to thrive on the big stage.
He has been rated elite for score involvements, goal assists and disposals for players in his position this year and, with 156 goals in 149 games, has become an important leader and valued member of the attack, facilitating star forward Nick Watson's genius and playing with his own flair.
“I feel like the more I reflect on it, I think, 'geez, I wasted the first three years of my career'," Moore added.
"You learn so many lessons along the way. The first couple of years I was focused on my weaknesses as a player. As a late draft pick, I was like, 'this is why the clubs didn't select me; I need to do this better and this better,' and forgot about my strengths.
"As I've matured as a player and a person, the more I've realised your strengths matter, and it's the reason you get drafted, so my big reflection on my past 149 games is to focus on your strengths and make them even better.
"Then at the end of my career I can be proud of my strengths and keep working on my weaknesses, but I can be happy and content I've tried as hard as I can to get the best out of myself."
Moore further highlighted the importance of positivity and broadly praised the development staff at Hawthorn for giving players the tools to flourish.
The positive affirmation mindset was also highlighted by teammate Josh Ward on Monday, with that coaching strategy coming into vogue in recent years to nurture the best young talent.
"Definitely quite a few come into the system and you're at the bottom of the barrel, and you go 'I don't do this right, he does this way better than me', and you forget about your massive strengths, and you lose a bit of belief," Moore added.
"In my opinion, what makes someone good to great is your mentality, your self-talk, your confidence and how you portray yourself.
"I feel like you can easily come into the system and get shut down (and told) 'you don't do this well, you need to do this better' rather than being like 'you're doing this really well, keep doing that'.
"Then you can work on the side on your weaknesses to make them better, so I think you do lose a few people."
