Hawthorn’s Matt Hill takes premierships trophies home to Katherine

Hawthorn rookie Matt Hill was overwhelmed with emotion when he had the opportunity to take his club’s 13 premiership cups to his hometown of Katherine this week. Read what it meant to him.

Hawthorn's Matt Hill went back to Katherine this week ahead of his club's match against the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Seamus Parkinson, Hawthorn FC

Rugby league convert and Katherine-born Matt Hill cried when he had the chance to take Hawthorn’s premiership trophies to his hometown as his side prepared for their Top End battle against the Suns.

The 20-year-old Category B Rookie has had a unique journey to the AFL, moving to the brown and gold following a stint with the Melbourne Storm Academy.

It was his speed and natural skills that impressed as he returned to the sport he played in his youth and has been improving in his first season with the squad.

Hill, who is cousins to Collingwood’s Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill and St Kilda’s Brad Hill, got the chance to return to where it all began this week to catch up with family and friends and interact with the community ahead of the Sir Doug Nicholls clash at TIO Stadium.

The bloodlines also run deep on his mother’s side as fellow AFL-listed players Ash Johnson (Collingwood), Shane McAdam (Melbourne), Jy Farrar (Gold Coast) and Toby Bedford (GWS) are all cousins.

He visited Katherine on Tuesday alongside head of community Adam Modet and former Hawthorn AFLW player and recent NTFL winner with St Mary’s Janet Baird.

Matt Hill, indigenous legend Stephen Michael and Karl Amon Credit: Stephen Sciacovelli/ Hawthorn Football club

Going back was a special moment as he understood the pride his hometown now takes in him.

“It just brings back a lot of memories of myself and my family, including my cousins, uncles and aunties,” Hill said.

“Going back reminded me of how we grew up and our love for the town. Even the locals around the town, it was pretty special to see them.

“They were so proud and happy to see me back and see me doing well. They were encouraging me and trying to help me.

“The first feeling was love for the town. I felt a connection. I felt the same feeling of when I was younger, just having fun with my mates and getting up to whatever we got up to.

“We brought the premiership cups as well and that was probably the most unreal feeling because growing up in Katherine, you wouldn’t think you’d be making it anyway to be honest.”

Hawthorn's Matt Hill went back to Katherine this week ahead of his club's match against the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Seamus Parkinson, Hawthorn FC

They visited several schools throughout the day, imparting advice to potential future footy stars with those moments bringing back floods of memories for Hill.

“When I was younger, I didn’t really think being famous had anything to do with Katherine. It was a life that we didn’t live,” he said.

“To bring the cups on the boat with my mum, my two little siblings and my nan was pretty special.

“I tried to give advice. I was just trying to say believe in yourself and do whatever makes you happy. Just know that you can do it if you work hard enough.

“I didn’t get to the end because I got a bit emotional.

“Just seeing photos of myself and my memories took me back to when I was in school and how I used to think when anyone famous used to come and see us.

“It wasn’t a bad cry, it was more of a happy and proud one with what I’ve done with my life and how all the sacrifices have paid off. I’ve got to keep going though.”

Katherine born Matt Hill runs out for Hawthorn training at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

He’s now pushing to play his first match of AFL footy with the Hawks knowing the importance of showing what’s possible to those who grew up in the same place as him.

And with Hawthorn flying high at the moment he’s looking forward to seeing the impact they can have on Territorians who only get to see a few games live each year.

“My development on and off the field has been pretty big,” Hill said.

“I’ve learnt a lot of stuff at the Hawks, like the importance of giving back. It’s been great making young fellas happy and even make their day.

“Trying to influence them in a good way is a big why and why I do what I do, to inspire the next generation and to create that belief in them to strive for whatever they want.”

Originally published as Hawthorn’s Matt Hill takes premierships trophies home to Katherine