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AFL blue blood in veins of hopeful

Oct 01, 2014
Declan Hamilton. Image by Peter Argent

Declan Hamilton. Image by Peter Argent

As athletic pedigrees go, Declan Hamilton can point to some AFL blue blood.

His mum Debra – an accomplished netballer – is the younger sister of dual Magarey Medallist Andrew Jarman and three-time AFL premiership player Darren Jarman.

He lines up among 101 hopefuls at the 21st AFL draft combine with a dash of his uncle Darren’s self belief and a touch of uncle Andrew’s flair.

The four-day combine started Tuesday at Etihad Stadium where club recruiters watched potential draftees being assessed for speed, agility, endurance and football skills, including a beep test, standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint, agility run, 3km time trial and 30m repeat sprints.

Hamilton is in good shape after a standout year with the successful SA under 18s playing as a medium forward.

“It was the biggest highlight so far, winning the SA under 18s championships,” Hamilton told InDaily.

“I enjoy kicking a goal and like handing them off.

“I play as a medium forward, who can go back as well – a bit of a utility really.

“I played my junior football at the Gaza Eagles as there is a long family legacy there.

“But as I lived at Parafield Gardens, it was in the Port Adelaide zone at the time.”

Hamilton combined both the round ball code and our national game until the age of 15, and was a state junior soccer player at Under 12 and Under 13 s level.

Noted as a smart, classy and clean footballer who is good in traffic, Hamilton has been likened to a young Robbie Gray or Jack Gunston.

He muses that there is a level of intimidation about being at the draft combine among the best in the code within his age group.

“I know I’m good enough to be here, but you know you’re among the best in your age level,” he continued.

“The unknown is a little scary, as you have six or seven weeks of waiting after the testing.”

The first-year university student has six interviews at this week’s combine and will speak to 15 of the 18 clubs in total.

This year he played 10 games with the Port Adelaide reserves.

He has been at Alberton since the under 15s development squad and 2014 was his fourth year at the famous club.

The 184cm utility, who needs to put some meat onto his 70 kg frame said: “Staying home is ideal – but firstly I just want to get my name read out.

“Getting on the list is just an opportunity and the real work starts from there.

“I have great support from my extending family and Uncle Darren just reminded me to enjoy the ride.”

Early indications are Hamilton is a second to third round selection, anywhere from 25 to 40.

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