It’s fair to say that Will Hams’ football journey has not been smooth sailing.
Drafted by the Club with their only pick in the 2013 Draft, Hams immediately impressed his peers and Coaches with his tenacious attitude and hunger for the contest.
He would make his debut in 2013 when he ran out against the Swans in round 10 and did enough to once again win selection the following round against Carlton, where his trademark ‘head over the ball’ attitude was on display.
Unfortunately for the now 21-year old, a hip injury saw him miss the entire 2014 season.
Such was the faith in young midfielder the Club would extend his contract for an additional year, giving him the chance to prove himself in 2015.
The signs were promising for Hams early.
Fully fit and with a big pre-season under his belt, Hams was named for his first game in more than a year when he was selected to play on Anzac Day.
Playing as the substitute, Hams would come into the game late and fought hard in greasy conditions.
He would feature in the next two games, but was given limited opportunity – starting as the substitute for both.
That would be the last fans would see of Hams for 2015. Injury once again impeded his ability to find consistency of form.
Despite being delisted at the end of the 2015 season, Hams was given another chance at Essendon when Club redrafted him as a rookie.
A much loved character around the Club, the decision to get Hams back was not hard according to List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro.
“Hams is one of our favourites at the Club,” Dodoro said after selecting Hams in the rookie draft.
“He’s a great young man. He puts his head over the footy and you couldn’t meet a more determined person.”
Hams has worked hard to repay the faith shown in him by the Club, barely putting a foot wrong during the pre-season.
The hard work that he has put in on the track has shone through for Essendon VFL, where he has averaged 23-disposals, four marks, four tackles and has snuck forward to kick 5 goals.
Most impressive, however, has been his consistency and continued development as both an inside midfielder and mobile option up forward.
Hams hasn’t just been knocking on the selectors’ door for the last few weeks. He has been camped outside of it, with the youngster finally given the news he’s been craving this week.
Coach John Worsfold spoke highly of Hams’ attitude and performances. Woosha also believeshis versatility in the VFL will hold him in good stead at an AFL level, and provide the Coaches with a number of strategic options.
“We’re challenging Will to play a variety roles now,” said Worsfold.
“We know he can be a ball winner inside in the midfield, but we’ve pushed him forward over the last few weeks and given him a run in the forward half and he’s managed to get some score on the board as well.
“That’s what has been really pleasing.”
Hams’ return to the game, over a year since he last played, highlights the dedication to keep working despite all the setbacks he has faced. Heis a quality person on and off the fieldand is highly regarded by both his teammates and coaches.
