Standing 190 centimetres and clocking the scales at 117 kilograms, Clay certainly has the physical elements to do a job in the engine room.

"That was a funny conversation when I told Marty that I played inside centre," Clay said. "He thought I was a prop. I said no, no, no. "

Not only has Clay proved that No.12 is his position, the 27-year-old has made the spot his own in first grade.

"He is a very skillful player and runs hard." Berry said. "He had played every minute of every game up until last week against Nelson Bay, I gave him a rest for the final 25 minutes. He has been very consistent and good value for us.

"His big body is an asset. In New Zealand we always have a big 12 or someone in the midfield. That is not the main reason. Billy is also a good passer and has a thumping left boot on him as well."

Clay, whose dad, Lee, mum, Tammy and sister, Candice, have featured for the Hawks, has played mainly second grade in recent seasons.

The departure of a number of players to the Wildfires and the arrival of Berry created an opportunity and Clay took it.

"I have been there or thereabouts in previous seasons," Clay said. "I have come off the bench a few times and had some starts. Angus Brown played 12 last year and before him Paddy Kilmurray ... there have been a heap of good players in the 10 and 12 spots going back. It has been quite hard to crack the top grade. I have played in second grade grand finals and won a third grade premiership in 2018.

"I did learn a lot from the guys who were there before me. I have stepped up and have really enjoyed my footy.

"When you pull on the blue and gold jersey you have a job to do.

"I love getting the rock in my hand. Marty has given me the go ahead to have a crack [at the defence].

"There were have been conversations about moving into the back row if I keep putting on weight.

"After a good year, I will try and have a good pre-season next year, slim down a bit, and see how far I can go. [Hamilton trainer] Peter Mahon has always told me that if I can drop 10kg I could be anything. We will see how that goes."

With the Shute Shield suspended due to the COVID lockdown in Sydney, about 10 Wildfires including backs, Will Feeney, Tom Watson, Hamish McKie, Mike Saili and James McGaw have been on deck for the Hawks.

"Guys like Steve Lamont, Chris Ale, Faavae Sila - goats of the club - they slipped back in," Clay said.

"The new guys, who came to town because of the Wildfires, they bring a breath of professionalism. It lifts the level. You see them guys doing things and you think, I should be doing that."

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