Claremont bolter Hamish Davis reflects on his breakout game, Nat Fyfe comparison, draft chances

There’s no better way to announce yourself as an AFL draft contender than kicking four goals in a final like Claremont’s Hamish Davis writes Eliza Reilly.

Hamish Davis celebrates a goal for Claremont. Pic: Subiaco FC

There’s no better way to announce yourself as an AFL draft contender than kicking four goals in an elimination final.

But that’s exactly how Hamish Davis celebrated his sixth game of league football with Claremont, finishing with 21 disposals, four marks and a bag of majors against East Fremantle.

The 18-year-old has been the talk of the WAFL this week after his breakout performance against the reigning premiers. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better senior performance from any player in this year’s draft crop.

Hamish Davis in action for Claremont on debut. Pic: Mobby/Claremont FC

Hamish Davis was best on ground in a WAFL elimination final today. 21 disposals and 4 goals from half forward. Born in 2006... just his sixth League game. Incredible.

I have him at #26 in latest rankings but he's flown under the radar in Vic. Goals via @7AFL 👇 #AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/iJdBHJNOO3

— Jasper Chellappah (@Jasperc53) September 1, 2024

When the Sharks kicked the first two goals of the final quarter to get back within striking distance, it was Davis who kicked the steadier. He went on with it too, adding a fourth for the day after creeping out the back of the Sharks’ defence.

“My first few games were adjusting to the pace and physicality of it,” Davis said. “I wasn’t able to hit the scoreboard as much as I’d like.

“But to kick four in a final was unreal. It’s all thanks to my teammates making it easy for me. Kicking goals is a reflection of the work that’s done further afield.

“In the back of my mind, there’s always been a possibility of playing some league footy for Claremont. It was a goal that I had for this year.

“A couple weeks after the Championships finished, I got called into (football operations manager) Kepler Bradley’s office. He asked me if I wanted to play up and start training with the seniors with the possibility of playing league.

Hamish Davis celebrates a goal for Claremont. Pic: Subiaco FC

“The plan initially was to start in the reserves and then play league if my form there warranted an opportunity. I was lucky enough to get the news on the Wednesday night before my debut. I couldn’t believe it. The nerves started to kick in but it was mainly excitement.”

Davis made his league debut in round 17 against East Perth. It’s been a big 12 months already for the Subiaco junior but Davis has taken it all in his stride.

12 months ago, Davis kicked three goals in Claremont’s Colts premiership win, a side that featured the likes of Dan Curtin (Adelaide), Joe Fonti (GWS) and Zane Zakostelsky (Brisbane). Earlier this year, he played a big part in the Tigers’ undefeated start to the Colts season. More recently, he was one of 12 Claremont players to be selected in WA’s U18s squad, averaging 14.5 disposals, 1.8 goals and four marks across the course of the National Championships.

But the performance that forced Claremont league coach Ashley Prescott’s hand was Davis’ 40-disposal, nine mark and one goal outing against Swan Districts in round 15. The way he was able to impact in the air as a half-forward saw him compared to a younger version of Fremantle star Nat Fyfe by the Bray & Ethan podcast.

“It’s always pretty humbling being compared to a two-time Brownlow medallist,” Davis said. “I know I’m a long way off him.

“I’ve got a long way to go before I’m anything like him but it’s a great compliment.”

After testing himself against the likes of AFL affiliates Peel Thunder and West Coast in his first month of football, Davis kicked his first senior goal against Subiaco in the final round of the home and away season. Then he kicked his second and his third.

He made his mark on the WAFL finals series against East Fremantle. And on Sunday, he’ll aim to do the same to Peel Thunder.

It’s understood that 12 of the 18 clubs have already shown interest in Davis ahead of the national combine and AFL draft later this year. But for now, Davis’ focus is on seeing out the finals series with Claremont and potentially winning back-to-back grand finals with the Colts if the Tigers’ league side doesn’t qualify.

“It would be amazing (to be drafted), Davis said. “It’s been my dream forever. But whatever happens, happens.

“I’ve surrounded myself with some great people this year who’ve made it really easy for me, whether that be at Claremont or the State program. Hopefully, it can happen for me at the end of the year.

“It’s exciting having some contact with clubs but at the moment and them showing interest, the more important thing is performing for Claremont in finals.”