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Re: Declan Hamilton - the forgotten Recruit - Can he make it
Hamilton eyes next level
Third-year Western Bulldogs forward Declan Hamilton says that the work he has done with former VFL coach Ashley Hansen has put him in a good place as he works toward his AFL debut.
Speaking after training at Whitten Oval this week, Hamilton said he believed two solid seasons under the watchful eye of Hansen has readied him for the game's highest level.
"The work that I've put in over the last two years at VFL level definitely puts me in good shape to hopefully play [AFL] this year and continue to grow as a player," Hamilton said.
Hamilton credits Hansen and Footscray's VFL captain Jordan Russell for the progress he has made.
"I've done a lot of work with Ash Hansen over the last two years at VFL level. It's a great relationship. Ash has been great since the day I walked in. Ash and Jordy Russell at VFL level are always telling me to play my game and back in my instincts.
“To have that freedom from the coaches to play footy is what every player wants."
Hamilton played in the Bulldogs' opening JLT Community Series encounter against Melbourne, coming on after the long break to pick up seven touches at an impressive 85% disposal efficiency.
"I sort of played probably 50-50 wing/forward and felt that I was able to get into the game, coming in just to play the second half. I felt that I was able to get some good flow into my game so hopefully I can take that forward into the rest of my pre-season."
Taken with pick 39 by the Bulldogs in the 2014 AFL National Draft, Hamilton was a member of Footscray's premiership winning team last year and proved dangerous around goal, kicking 16 majors for the season.
Hamilton is again in the mix to face Brisbane in the Bulldogs' second JLT hitout at Etihad Stadium this Thursday night. He has been named in an extended squad of 29 for the match.
Hamilton eyes next level
Third-year Western Bulldogs forward Declan Hamilton says that the work he has done with former VFL coach Ashley Hansen has put him in a good place as he works toward his AFL debut.
Speaking after training at Whitten Oval this week, Hamilton said he believed two solid seasons under the watchful eye of Hansen has readied him for the game's highest level.
"The work that I've put in over the last two years at VFL level definitely puts me in good shape to hopefully play [AFL] this year and continue to grow as a player," Hamilton said.
Hamilton credits Hansen and Footscray's VFL captain Jordan Russell for the progress he has made.
"I've done a lot of work with Ash Hansen over the last two years at VFL level. It's a great relationship. Ash has been great since the day I walked in. Ash and Jordy Russell at VFL level are always telling me to play my game and back in my instincts.
“To have that freedom from the coaches to play footy is what every player wants."
Hamilton played in the Bulldogs' opening JLT Community Series encounter against Melbourne, coming on after the long break to pick up seven touches at an impressive 85% disposal efficiency.
"I sort of played probably 50-50 wing/forward and felt that I was able to get into the game, coming in just to play the second half. I felt that I was able to get some good flow into my game so hopefully I can take that forward into the rest of my pre-season."
Taken with pick 39 by the Bulldogs in the 2014 AFL National Draft, Hamilton was a member of Footscray's premiership winning team last year and proved dangerous around goal, kicking 16 majors for the season.
Hamilton is again in the mix to face Brisbane in the Bulldogs' second JLT hitout at Etihad Stadium this Thursday night. He has been named in an extended squad of 29 for the match.
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