Toni Hamilton impresses in VFLW debut
A surprise text message from Western Bulldogs women's coach Debbie Lee saw talented Jewish Aussie Rules player Toni Hamilton selected to make her VFLW debut against Carlton last Sunday. She had a strong game, saying "dreams do come true".
ONE week ago, Toni Hamilton was “absolutely devastated” when she found out that she failed to make the Western Bulldogs’ squad for the 2018 VFLW season after enduring a physically and emotionally draining eight-week talent search program.
However, a surprise text message from Debbie Lee, women’s footy pioneer and Bulldogs VFLW coach, tipped Hamilton’s world on its head. She had been called back.
On Sunday against Carlton she realised her sporting dream and joined former president David Smorgon and current doctors Gary Zimmerman and Jake Landsberger as part of the club’s strong Jewish contingent. Overjoyed and still in disbelief over the turn of events, Hamilton told The AJN, “Dreams do come true.”
The club cited her speed and fitness as outstanding strengths and she impressed in her first taste at this level.
“I was so nervous before but overall I was happy to get a game under my belt. I had never played on the wing before, so it took me a little while to find my feet, but whenever I got the ball I was effective and composed which is an area of my game that I wanted to improve,” Hamilton said.
Next season’s AFLW draft is in October, giving Hamilton five months to mount her case to be picked up. She turned many heads to get to where she is, and although there is still plenty of work ahead of her it appears the Bulldogs are keeping a close watch on her.
“One of the recruiters came up to me at the end of the game and tapped me on the back and said well done mate, good game, which was a real positive,” Hamilton said.
The former AJAX star was one of 100 girls who entered the pre-season talent search at the Bulldogs but only four players were selected, leaving Hamilton “quite down about it”.
Instead of wallowing in the disappointment, Hamilton quickly linked up with Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Premier Women’s club Caulfield Grammarians, who play one level below the VFLW.
Little did she know that a week later she’d be running out in the red, white and blue as a fully fledged VFLW player.
In preparation for her debut last week, Hamilton paid a visit to AFL premiership coach Mark “Choco” Williams for some last minute tips.
The current AJAX coach and Maccabi Victoria director of coaching and player development told The AJN, “Toni is a girl who has come through our system and progressed to VFLW standard which is wonderful, and great for her teammates and coaches who helped her in the past.”
Growing up, Hamilton played a wide range of sports but focused predominantly on basketball and hockey. Her passion for footy stemmed from playing in the backyard with her father and brothers and since then she’s had a burning desire to play at the highest level.
“I’m drawn to the game due to the competitiveness, camaraderie and team spirit required to succeed,” she said.
The King David School graduate jumped at the opportunity to play footy when AJAX announced they’d be fielding a women’s team in 2015.
From there, her natural instincts and rare ability shone through and by the end of her first season of footy she was named Maccabi sportswoman of the year, had claimed the VFLW East Division best and fairest and the Jackettes’ inaugural award.
On the weekend, Hamilton became just the second Jew to play in the VFLW following Amy Silver’s debut the week before for the Southern Saints. Collingwood’s Ally Bild is on the cusp of selection.
AARON FETTER
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