Hamish Hartlett joins Kingscote in Kangaroo Island Football League for 2023

A former Port Adelaide AFL star has joined a local SA footy club for the remainder of season 2023 with the goal to continue playing and develop the game’s youth.

A local SA footy club has secured the services of a former Port Adelaide AFL star for the rest of season 2023 as it aims to compete for a premiership.

Hamish Hartlett – who played 193 AFL games in the black, white and teal, winning a Gavin Wanganeen Medal and a Showdown Medal – has signed with Kangaroo Island FL club Kingscote.

Currently a development coach with Port Adelaide, Hartlett is coming off of a fantastic SANFL season with West Adelaide during which he won the club’s Best and Fairest, and marks one of the biggest pick-ups in Hounds history.

The 32-year-old said the opportunity to explore more of Kangaroo Island and experience local SA footy was too hard to pass up.

“A couple factors went into the decision – I’ve got a couple mates who are playing for Kingscote this season and I’ve also only been to Kangaroo Island a couple times in my life and want to see more of it,” Hartlett said.

Former Port Adelaide gun and current coach Hamish Hartlett has signed with Kingscote in the KIFL. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I haven’t seen a great deal of KI footy but I know teams have been limited for numbers and I’m just keen to get over there, help and experience the club and have a kick with some mates.”

Kingscote has played just one game so far this season, defeating Dudley United 19.18 (132) to 1.1 (7), and looks as strong as ever in KI’s five-team competition.

Hartlett, who namely coaches Port Adelaide’s SANFL side, will debut for the Hounds in round four during the SANFL’s bye.

“I’ll have a bit of an opportunity to go over and play in a couple weeks and then after that it might be a bit of a juggling act with my coaching commitments,” he said.

Hartlett is fresh off of a fantastic year with West Adelaide, winning its Best and Fairest award. Picture: Cory Sutton / SANFL

“I think there will be plenty of opportunity to help the senior colts and the younger teams out as well, whether it's running them through things or just floating around after games.

“I’m definitely keen to help the kids out and spend some good time around the island.”

While Hartlett admitted his priority was still coaching at Port Adelaide, he said he was eager to continue playing local footy through the next few years.

“I’ve had a fantastic time so far as a SANFL and AFL level coach with the club (Port Adelaide) and we’ve got a brilliant crew of people together.

“While I love the coaching side of it I’m still a naturally competitive person and someone who loves playing the game, so I want to continue doing that.

“The opportunities are going to be more limited in the coming years but I want to continue for as long as I physically can.”