Hill draws comparisons to Bombers great
By Justin Chadwick, 4 Feb 2009 Justin Chadwick is a Roar Pro
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It took just one intra-club hit-out for Fremantle draftee Stephen Hill to announce himself as a future AFL star, with Dockers coach Mark Harvey even comparing the 18-year-old to Essendon great Michael Long.
Hill put in a sizzling performance against his new teammates at Subiaco Oval on Monday night, with his goal in the second term simply breath-taking.
The No.3 pick from last year’s national draft sidestepped a would-be tackler, put on the afterburners and kicked truly from 35m out.
“He reminds me of some great Aboriginal players I’ve seen,” Harvey said after the hit-out.
“Michael Long actually, that’s how I see him.
“Look, I’m only saying he looks like him, I’m not saying he’s as good as Michael.
“He’s got that elusiveness about him.
“He brings other players into the game, too, which is a really good trait to have for a young player.
“Make no mistake, he’ll play in two weeks’ time against Richmond (in the NAB Cup opener).
“He’s an exciting prospect without going overboard.
“He’s still got a lot to learn.”
Paul Hasleby, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, got through the hit-out unscathed, although the 166-game veteran made a slow start.
“That’s only natural after 11, 12 months (out),” Harvey said.
“I thought as the game wore on he got into it and got into a groove like he normally does when he plays.
“I’m playing him at the moment across half-back and he’ll get used to that position over the next couple of weeks.
“Most coaches would look at guys after knee reconstructions and try to ease them back into the competition because it’s getting quicker and harder, so that’s what I’ll continue to do with him.
“He specialises in and around stoppages so eventually we’ll put him in there, it’s just a matter of when.”
Forward Adam Campbell is set to miss the clash with Richmond after injuring his knee during the hit-out, which consisted of three 25-minute periods.
Chris Tarrant, Michael Johnson, Antoni Grover, Des Headland, Daniel Gilmore, Roger Hayden, Paul Duffield, Hayden Ballantyne, Garrick Ibbotson and Chris Mayne all missed the game.
Tarrant, who has been on a modified training program, is unlikely to feature against the Tigers, with Headland (calf) and Ballantyne (wrist) also set to miss the match.
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