GREATER Western Sydney has locked away another young talent with Bobby Hill extending his contract for a further two seasons.
Hill, who was taken with pick 24 in the 2018 NAB AFL National Draft (after the Giants traded up to select the speedy forward), is now committed to the club until at least the end of 2022.
The 19-year-old played the last seven games of the home and away season after kicking three goals on debut against Richmond at the MCG in round 17, but was dropped for last week's elimination final.
Yes he can!
— AFL (@AFL) August 3, 2019
Bobby kicks a special goal on the run! #AFLGiantsSwans pic.twitter.com/Z96kXRg0yK
He said on Thursday that he's extremely grateful to the Giants for giving him his start in the AFL.
Growing up in Northam, a country town east of Perth in Western Australia, Hill grew up a GWS fan after his cousin Gerald Ugle was part of the club's first ever squad and played a total of three games in 2012 and 2013.
"I was the only kid in Northam walking around with a Giants kit on," Hill said with a laugh.
Bobby Hill and Jeremy Cameron celebrate during the Giants' R18 clash with the Pies. Picture: AFL Photos
"To play for them is a dream come true and to be building a culture here, you build it really, really quick with guys like Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams around.
"I'm stoked to put pen to paper at the Giants.
"It was a dream come true just getting drafted but once you put the guernsey on it's something different.
Bobby Hill enjoys a Gatorade shower after his first win at AFL level. Picture: AFL Photos
"I'm doing it for myself, my family and the Giants fans out there; I'm loving it."
Hill came to the Giants under a cloud after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in Perth last year, but once he returned to full fitness, he quickly showed why the club was so eager to get him to Sydney.
Blessed with electric speed and smarts around goal, Hill kicked seven goals in his seven games this year at senior level.
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GWS list manager Jason McCartney said Hill has done everything asked of him in 2019.
"We're very happy with how well Bobby has settled in and we're really impressed with what he's achieved in his first season at AFL level," he said.
"To make his debut in his first season after overcoming pre-season shoulder surgery demonstrated great work ethic and attention to detail."
Hill is one of many Giants players to re-commit to the club this season.
Vice-captains Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly head the list, which also contains names like Jacob Hopper, Nick Haynes, Adam Kennedy, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels and Matt de Boer.
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