New recruit Joel Hamling feels there is plenty more to come out of the Kimberley, an area allocated to Fremantle as a multicultural recruiting region.
Hamling was right at the centre of a history-making win for the Western Bulldogs at the 2016 Grand Final, becoming the first Kimberley product to feature in a Premiership winning side.
And when talking about growing up and playing football in Broome, Hamling paints a picture as pretty as Cable Beach.
“Bare feet and running around, playing three games on a Saturday and trying to sneak a game in on a Sunday,” said Hamling of his time at Cable Beach Football Club
“It’s amazing, it’s a great place Broome. I grew up there my whole life pretty much, spent all my teenage years there and I’ll be there a bit more when I’m in WA.
The signing of Hamling may help Fremantle forge ties with the Kimberley.
In April, the AFL announced that the club would be able to recruit indigenous players from the area, providing the player has fully participated in an academy program for a minimum of three years prior to being drafted.
Hamling couldn’t speak highly enough of the region’s potential and is looking forward to inspiring the next generation.
“I’ve got an indigenous background myself and obviously playing with those indigenous guys my whole life,” Hamling said.
“Some of those guys were exceptional and really talented players, and learning from them as much from everyone, got me to where I am today.
“For me to get back there at some stage and take the (Premiership) medal and show all the young kids, it will give them something to strive for.”
Hamling admitted life wasn’t easy in his early years as an AFL player, which opens the door for an academy system to help transition players into the AFL.
“There’s a bit more mentoring up in the Kimberly with young players now, and there’s so much talent up there,” Hamling said.
“Starting a life in Perth and going from Perth to Melbourne was hard, so I think we need a bit more education around that for young indigenous players.
“To get these guys coming through and getting ready to train every day, and do that sort of thing is important.”
