Whether they were playing for Fremantle or Hawthorn, the Hill brothers have enjoyed a healthy rivalry against Geelong.

On Sunday, the siblings are expecting another exciting battle as Fremantle open their 2017 season against Geelong at Domain Stadium.

The round one clash will be Freo’s annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by Fremantle Ports and will be the club’s 500th match in the AFL.

Stephen Hill has played a crucial role in some classics between Fremantle and Geelong in recent years, including his running goal to ice the win in the 2013 Qualifying Final at Simonds Stadium.

Bradley Hill, the younger of the brothers, has enjoyed being a part of one of the most storied rivalries of the modern game between Hawthorn and Geelong. 

For Bradley, Geelong pose as an exciting test for his first AFL game in Fremantle colours, after his arrival from the Hawks during the 2016 NAB AFL Trade Period.

“There’s a big rivalry between Fremantle and Geelong as well,” Bradley said.

“It’s always a good game when you face Geelong, and they’re a quality team so I’m looking forward to it on Sunday.”


The Hill brothers share a laugh as they address the media on Friday

Stephen said Fremantle wouldn’t be taking Geelong lightly, especially with the Cats boasting an engine room spearheaded by Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield and their captain Joel Selwood.

“(Geelong’s) got a great midfield,” he said.

“Dangerfield and Selwood are two of the stars of the game, and there’s a few other guys that we can’t just let slip - so we’re going to have to be on our game.

“It’s going to be a tough battle in the midfield and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Even after dropping a heartbreaker to Geelong in the 2016 Qualifying Final in his penultimate game as a Hawk, Bradley said that he felt Fremantle had the capability to match Geelong on the day.

“Obviously you’ve just got to play your best footy to beat them,” Bradley Hill said.

“They’re a quality side. We think if we can play the way we’ve been training we can put it up to them.”