Young midfielder Brayden Ham has committed to the Bombers for 2021 after accepting a one-year contract offer.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2020, playing 10 games between the wing and half-forward line.
Out of the 2020 season’s eligible Rising Star players, Ham finished first for average inside 50s (3.3), third for total inside 50s (33), and fifth for effective disposals per game (77.78 per cent).
Selected with pick No.72 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Ham has appeared 15 times in the red and black, making a name for himself as a hard runner who possesses a sharp left-foot kick.
Ham said he was thrilled to don the sash for the 2021 season.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign on for 2021,” Ham said.
“I was really pleased to build continuity in my game this season and really contribute throughout the midfield and up forward.
“I’m really enjoying learning and developing under ‘Truck’ (Ben Rutten) and ‘Cara’ (assistant coach Blake Caracella). They’ve helped me grow into a way that I can help the team and have given me the best environment to grow as a player.
“I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running for pre-season and to achieve on-field success in 2021.”
General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the club was happy to have retained a promising young player of Ham’s calibre.
“We’re really rapt to have signed Brayden for next season,” Dodoro said.
“Brayden really grew as a player to force his way into the side as a winger/high half-forward and he held his own in that position, which we’re sure he can continue into next season.
“His hard running and kicking ability are great attributes for the team and we’re hoping he can continue to develop and work really hard and cement his spot regularly in the senior side.
“We look forward to welcoming Brayden back for pre-season and watching him contribute to our on-field ambitions for 2021.”
This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.
