Budding defender Kyle Hartigan is aiming to make the most of another season under the guidance of mentor Ben Rutten.

Recruited in the 2013 AFL Rookie Draft, Hartigan was elevated to Adelaide’s senior list late this season following consistent SANFL form. The former Werribee backman made his AFL debut in place of the injured Rutten against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in Round 18.

Hartigan played a total of three AFL games for the season, showing enough to earn promotion to Adelaide’s senior list in 2014 and to suggest he could be a viable long-term replacement for 30-year-old Rutten. But for now, the 194cm, 82kg, defender is determined to learn as much as he can from his experienced teammate.

“I had the privilege of playing in the same team as ‘Truck’ (Rutten) late in the year,” Hartigan said.

“It was beneficial because I got to see what Truck does out on the ground rather than just watching from the stands. I’d love to play a few more games with Truck and learn from him, and also Daniel Talia and (assistant coach) Darren Milburn. I want to soak it all up because it’ll make me a better player in the long run.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn and lot of improvement in me. I’ve only had one year in the full-time environment. I just have to keep making the most of each training session and each opportunity I get to play.”

Hartigan averaged 18.7 possessions and seven marks in three games for Adelaide, matching up on the likes of Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands, Norm Smith Medallist Andrew Embley and Melbourne duo Jeremy Howe and Jack Watts.

He said the experience of this season would be invaluable going into 2014.

“I learned a lot of lessons this year,” he said.

“The biggest thing for me was confirmation that hard work pays off, and that if you keep knocking on the door with consistent form you’ll get an opportunity. If you take those opportunities, then good things will come.

“Now I know what it takes to play at the level. I cramped in a couple of games, so one of my focuses is getting fitter and being able to run out games better. I need to get quicker with my decision making too because the game is so fast at AFL level."

Hartigan is thriving in his first full pre-season at West Lakes.

The 22-year-old has achieved personal bests in the gym and has also seen improvement in his running.

“It’s a bit different being here for the whole pre-season compared to last year when we (rookies) didn’t start until December. I’m going to get a full pre-season under my belt,” he said.

“I’m working on building my endurance up and getting stronger while also maintaining a good playing weight. I think we clocked up between 48-50 kilometres in one week. The first 6-7 weeks have been pretty brutal.

“We’ve done a lot of running and cross-training. I think that’s the way the game is going with the capped interchange rotations.”

With spots on the senior list at a premium, Hartigan had to wait until the end of the trade period in October to learn whether he’d remain a rookie next year.

“I wasn’t sure what was going on. A lot of stuff was happening in the trade period,” he said.

“I thought I might be a rookie again, but I was more than happy to be put on the senior list. I’m very thankful to the Club for showing faith in me.”