‘Good way to learn’: How injuries are helping Montana Ham’s footy future at the Swans

Montana Ham’s studies might be setting her up for success after footy, but they’re already having a big impact on the field for the Swans.

Montana Ham is putting her physio degree to good use. Picture: Phil Hillyard

At just 19, Sydney’s No.1 draft pick Montana Ham has had her fair share of injuries.

A knee issue disrupted her debut campaign last season. Then a stress reaction in her left foot this pre-season kept her on the sidelines for the opening rounds of the year.

But while it’s robbed fans of the chance to see the talented youngster on the field, there is a unique bright side for the midfielder who has been studying exercise physiology while she plays footy.

“My injuries are a good way to learn more about the body and what I can do,” Ham said.

“It helps in relation to class. If someone’s talking about a specific body part, and it’s an injury that I’ve had, I’ve got a deeper understanding of that.”

Ham came from the ground with a knee injury during the Swans’ first ever game last year. Picture: Phil Hillyard

While it hasn’t quite gotten to the stage where she’s giving demonstrations for the entire class, understanding physiology has long been a passion for Ham.

“I’ve always had a fascination with the body,” Ham said. “Even when I was in year five or six, I always knew that I wanted to be a physio one day.

“It was about how can I learn about my body in a different way than sport, and physio links well with that.

“Whether it’s footy, basketball, soccer, I don’t really mind – but the dream is to travel with a team.”

Ham has been studying at UNSW as part of the university’s Elite Athlete Program along with 12 other Sydney AFL and AFLW teammates.

The pathway is giving the teenager a chance to get ahead in preparing for life after footy with plenty of study flexibility around her extensive training schedule – “The lecturers and tutors have been very understanding.”

But her choice of course has helped her get back on the field sooner than most. The nature of her foot injury means it’s something that needs to be constantly managed, but Ham has a better understanding than most of how to do it.

“When the physios explain it to me, I actually know what they’re talking about,” Ham said.

“It also makes you want to be more on top of your rehab because you know the risks of what happens when you don’t.

“My injury is a tough one. But having consecutive weeks on the track and being able to play each game, it’s definitely making a huge difference.”

Ham has always approached her footy with a sense of maturity beyond her years. As she slowly gets back to her best form this season, she’s quick to lean on experienced players around her to try and improve her game.

Ham has split her time in the midfield and up forward so far this season. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“Our captains (Chloe Molloy and Lucy McEvoy) are probably the two I look up to most and draw the most experience from,” Ham said.

“It’s the way they go about training, preparation and how they can get the group going as well. They’re very inspiring.

“Last year I was flying in and out of Sydney and still having to do school in Melbourne. It was challenging but the club was supportive of that.

“But now, being able to come into the club … and training four times a week, it definitely helps.”

Now for Ham and the Swans, it’s about translating that camaraderie into consistency on the field. Their loss to Hawthorn left them deflated and proved to be a huge dent in their top-eight aspirations.

While Ham has only played in one of Sydney’s three victories so far, on the road against Port Adelaide, she can sense that more are just around the corner.

“It can be hard to watch from the sidelines, but there’s genuine love in this group, so no matter whether you’re one of the 18 on the field or not, the win is as emotional for everyone,” Ham said.

“It’s the continual growth that’s amazing to see. Each week we’ve been able to find learnings and transfer that on the field. It shows the mindset and growth of the group.

“Coming from zero wins last year, to being almost at 50 per cent. It’s a tough back half, but I think we’re determined more than anything to make finals.”