Aaron Hamill

Aaron "Sammy" Hamill (born 20 August 1977) is an Australian rules footballer.

Having played rugby league, rugby union and basketball as a junior, Aaron Hamill first played Australian rules football in the Australian Capital Territory for the Tuggeranong Football Club. Aaron attended Fadden Primary School, Marist College, Melrose High School and Phillip College (now Canberra College). Aaron went to Melrose High School with Essendon and Richmond player Justin Blumfield.

Playing Style

Hamill's courage could never be questioned. His ferocity at he football often earned the ire from opposition football fans, but his team mates and opposition players respected his playing style.

Carlton Football Club

Debuting in 1996 with the Carlton Blues, Hamill was a favourite among supporters for his strong marking and goalkicking. He is known as "Hammer" or "Sammy". He was a key part of the Blues 1997 pre-season premiership side and was also part of Carlton's runner up team in 1999. He played with Carlton from 1996-2000 with 92 games and 114 goals. at the end of the 2000 season he was traded to St Kilda after having an argument with Carlton president John Elliott.

St Kilda Football Club

At the end of 2000 when he moved to St Kilda, he was among other big name signings such as Fraser Gehrig and Steven Lawrence.

He was named captain of the Saints for the 2003 season and his influence for the team has been unquestionable. He has a tough, uncompromising style, gives 100% and commits himself to the contest. As a result he has sustained many injuries over his career, and midway through 2005 he missed a large chunk of the season with an assortment of hip, shoulder, and knee injuries. Due to the same array of injuries, he missed the entire 2007 season. Doctors have advised that he should retire from the game due to the toll it takes on his body.

Retirement

On October 3rd, 2007 Hamill announced his retirement from AFL football.

Hamill played 190 AFL matches with Carlton and St Kilda. In a career cruelled by injury towards the end, he will be remembered for his uncompromising attack on the football. He was a member of preseason premiership sides at both clubs.

"The decision to retire has been one of the hardest to make in my football career. However, I felt it was in the best interest of the club moving forward," Hamill said. "This will now allow a younger player to step up and cement themselves in the St Kilda side.

"I would like to thank my family and close friends for their support over the journey. I am grateful to the Carlton Football Club for providing me with the opportunity to play and develop as a footballer," he said.

"Their inspirational leaders taught me to crave success and dedication to a cause, which will stay with me forever. I would also like to express my gratitude to Grant Thomas whose efforts did not go unnoticed by the playing group during his six years as coach. I wish Ross Lyon and the St Kilda Football Club all the best moving forward and hope that the current playing group will achieve the ultimate success."

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon reflected on Hamill's contribution to the club. "Aaron is a tremendously respected figure and he has played a significant role in getting this team to where it stands today. We all wish him the best in his retirement as he prepares for life after footy".

Personal life

Hammil has a daughter, Syanna (born December 2006), with a woman named Roxanne Amatruda. However, Hamill has refused to comment on the pregnancy or birth of the child and the impending arrival was not announced by Amatruda until a week before the birth. Hamill was reportedly present at the birth and will support the child; however, it is believed that he and Amatruda were not in a long-term relationship and are no longer together. Hamill is a very committed father to his little girl and is frequently spotted with her.

In January 2008 Amatruda reported to the police that Hamill had threatened her and her family.

Career stats

Aaron Hamill - Career Stats: Career games: 192 Career goals: 239 Brownlow Medal: career votes 22. Playing honours: Third in St Kilda's best and fairest 2001; St Kilda pre-season premiership side 2004; Carlton pre-season premiership side 1997; St Kilda captain 2003.