Senior coach Ross Lyon has revealed he has spent time speaking with small forward Hayden Ballantyne this week to help him rediscover his 2014 All Australian form.
Ballantyne has had a quiet few games to start the year compared to the hard-working forwards normal output.
He spent two weeks sidelined after he was suspended for a high bump against Geelong and has kicked just five goals from five games.
Lyon said he expected Ballantyne to go to another level but he was happy with his output.
“He’s been thereabouts without being at his very, very best,” he said.
Lyon said he had chatted with Ballantyne this week about his form.
“I’ve spent time with him and just cleared up (a few things)…we’d like you to do this and this,” he said.
Lyon said Ballantyne gave a typical direct response.
“He’s like ‘no worries coach, I’ll get this done’,” he said.
Ballantyne has kicked 185 goals from 111 games.
Impressive signs from dynamic duo.
Lyon said Ballantyne’s three shots on goal, all points, against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday would satisfy most small forwards.
“Things aren’t going perfectly but they’re not going bad,” he said.