Aaron Hamill
This is a reprint from the saint's website, original URL, http://saints.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=197500
Tough as nails
12:08:44 PM Wed 20 April, 2005
Luca Giacobello
When Aaron Hamill puts on his gear and crosses the white line, it is like a great Roman gladiator putting on his battle gear and entering an arena. Many would agree that Hamill is the muscle, the intimidator of the St Kilda side. This has been proven time after time, most recently in Round 1 when Mal Michael and Chris Scott continued to bump Nick Riewoldt’s injured shoulder. The skipper was wounded and it was Hamill, closest to the action, who remonstrated with the Lions defenders, not backing down an inch to defend the young champion.
Hamill was originally selected with the 79th pick in the 1994 National AFL Draft by Carlton. Hailing from the ACT, Hamill quickly became noticed in the Blues’ forward line, becoming the heir apparent to the retiring skipper and legend Stephen Kernahan. This was quickly recognised upon his retirement, when Hamill donned the #4 and became the key target up forward. Hamill displayed his true abilities and enjoyed great success with Carlton. In the thrilling Preliminary Final, Hamill was reported and subsquently suspended.
However, the important player Hamill was, the Blues moved heaven and earth to orchestrate an appeal and his suspension was later reversed, clearing him to play in the Grand Final. Hamill controversially left the club at the end of 2000 after fives years, 92 games and 114 goals.
With St Kilda undergoing an extreme makeover, St Kilda wasted no time in snapping up Hamill, sacrificing the 4th pick in the draft and Sam Cranage to lure the key forward to the club. In his first season with the Saints, Hamill showed he was the great forward target and quickly became noticed as a ‘hard man’ with his intense tackling and ferociousness for the ball. Hamill’s career at the club couldn’t have gotten off to a better start and in 2002, his magnificent form continued. His leadership, skill and raw toughness did not go unnoticed and he was the first player to be captain under the new rotation policy.
He led the Saints into an exciting new era, showing glimpses of what was to come in the future with a string of massive wins late in the season and an apparent stronghold over the Telstra Dome. 2004 started off great for Hamill, playing in his second pre-season premiership and in the first ten rounds, kicking 20 goals. Along with Riewoldt and Fraser Gehrig, St Kilda had the most dominant and intimidating forward line in the league.
However, Hamill was struck down with a knee injury, one which hampered his ability to perform and keeping him out of the finals. He was sorely missed in a series that saw St Kilda so close to playing in the Grand Final.
2005 hasn’t exactly gone to plan for the Saints with a couple of losses and injuries to a handful of senior regulars. The game against the undefeated Melbourne was crucial if St Kilda wanted to kick start their season. With Brownlow favourite Cameron Bruce slammed to the turf by a ferocious Brent Guerra tackle in the early seconds, it was clear the Saints came to play. Being a key forward, Hamill was displaying his physical presence as well, running hard and presenting his teammates with a target.
Hamill finished the day with 16 touches, eight marks and 2.1 goals, another great effort. He helped the side slam on nine goals straight and capped off the game with a spectacular grab to cause a 47 point upset and reclaim the stronghold of the Telstra Dome, “Getting through the week, no one gave us a shot but in the end, a terrific effort by the boys with a 100% effort for all. It was great to see 22 consistent players having a real hot go and everyone playing their parts.”
Robert Harvey may be their spiritual captain, Gehrig their spearhead, Riewoldt their superstar but there is only one intimidator, one player who is tough as nails…
And he's cute, too. ;-)
Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy comes out here on April 28. Looking forward to it. :-)
Really Bye this time.
posted by Heather @ 7:26 am
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