Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Matt Hill! CatB rookie, ex-Storm

[toomanysquibs]

he could be the first Junior NRL talent to go to the AFL.

I really hope he makes it, he's young enough if he's been a true 50/50 code stepper.

Going to be fun times watching it play out at Box Hill once he gets into the seniors there.

Will be a handful for a lot of guys athletically!

 

[Simon Crawshay]

That is some kind of resting heart rate, my guess is he becomes an elite endurance runner, and probably isn't far off the AFL average running wise already.

It's really noticeable that his best NFL traits are ones that translate to AFL.

That pace, power to fend off at speed, footwork, sure hands, reading of the high ball etc. all bode well for him.

What was the knock on him in the NRL? Was it just size and power? That's where those guys tend to elevate themselves above AFL players. Just an insane number of repeat collisions in that game, and more big guys who hit hard.

I played footy in the country with a guy who was an ex rugby league player from NSW (pretty decent one as well) who told me that was what stopped him making the step up, he just wasn’t big enough.

And this guy was not small, probably 180cm and 80kg well built, strong dude. Quick as well.

But as you say those NRL guys are beasts.

 

[cryptor]

I have footage of him running at Second rowers and while they try fend him off he’s pushed their arm down and pinned them full pace so good luck to Harley Reid or anyone else trying to fend him off when he’s in the seniors

I vividly remember Cyril grabbing Dusty's arm during an attempted fend off and bringing him to ground to win a HTB free kick. Can't wait to see Hilly do the same to a Reid/DeGoey/Petracca type.

 

[Slainte]

I vividly remember Cyril grabbing Dusty's arm during an attempted fend off and bringing him to ground to win a HTB free kick. Can't wait to see Hilly do the same to a Reid/DeGoey/Petracca type.

He can practice on Worpel.

 

[burger09]

This is some fantastic talent identification by our recruiting department.
Outside the box yet he has as good a chance as most kids to make it. (not saying he will but at least he has the physical attributes)
Fast, tackling machines are diamonds.

Did I mention he didn't cost any picks?

Bravo.

 

[fairdinks]

the advantage he has on a raw draftee is that he has already been in a professional development environment for at least 2 years. Strength and conditioning should be more advanced than other newbies.

 

[threesixpio]

Matt Hill’s uncle is a bit awesome. Cant wait to see Matt develop. Thanks for all the info hilly82

 

[threesixpio]

Also I’ll clear up the Indigenous questions, Matt is cousins with Brad, Bobby Hill and also all the other past Hill boys like Josh Hill and obviously Stephen Hill. We originally come from South West WA the land where our Noongar people originated. We also have family connections with other ex players like Buddy Franklin, Jeff Garlett, Derek Kickett and lots more..
We left Perth years ago to be in Katherine NT for family reasons

Ah heck that’s a good footy pedigree. Love it