GWS Giants young gun Ian ‘Bobby’ Hill ready to take Sydney by storm
There might not be as much star power on show as usual in this weekend’s Sydney derby, but one Giant is predicting big things from a young gun already proving to be a genuine crowd pleaser.
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Never before has a Sydney derby featured less star power, but the GWS Giants believe a new shining light is about to emerge.
With Lance Franklin, Dane Rampe, Jarrad McVeigh, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Jeremy Cameron all sidelined from both sides of the divide; enter new Giant Bobby Hill for his first battle of the bridge.
Hill is just three matches into his AFL career, but has been credited for helping spark the Giants back to life following an alarming mid-season slump.
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Fellow indigenous ace Zac Williams has been mentoring Hill since he joined the club from Perth and believes the 19-year-old has the potential to become one of those rare AFL talents who captivates the hearts and minds of Sydney.
The likes of Franklin, Tony Lockett, Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and Barry Hall have at times dominated the Sydney sporting scene, and Williams believes Hill possesses a similar potential x-factor.
“I don’t want to pump him up too much, but he has that little bit of star power about him,” Williams said of Hill.
“Every time he gets near the footy, you think something amazing is going to happen. Whether he breaks a few lines, or kicks an amazing goal. He’s a very selfless player as well.
“Over the coming years up here in Sydney I think he’ll be one of the crowd favourites with his excitement.”
Hill is an electric excitement machine, who has impressed as much with his chase pressure as with what he’s done with the ball.
The Giants needed a fire lit underneath them after four straight losses, and Hill has provided the energy and spark.
Williams says his blooding has been a long time coming.
“I’ve been impressed with him all year. I’ve kept a close eye on him as my little brother. I’ve tried to look after him ever since he got here, moving a long way from Perth,” he said.
“He’s been working his backside off all year to try and get his opportunity. He’s finally got it after annoying Leon since the start of the year, trying to get in the side.
“He’s in the team now, and every time he gets near the footy, you think that something is going to happen.
“For the team, he chases really well because he has that lightning quick speed and he gets to the fall of the ball really well. He’s been that little energy burst for the team in the back half of the year.”
Williams has been playing a key pinch hitting role in the midfield for coach Cameron in recent weeks, but expects to revert permanently back to halfback once injured trio Kelly, Coniglio and Matt de Boer return.
Originally published as GWS Giants young gun Ian ‘Bobby’ Hill ready to take Sydney by storm
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