ELECTRIFYING Greater Western Sydney small forward Ian 'Bobby' Hill is being heavily considered to make his senior debut in this week's clash with Brisbane after some eye-catching form in the NEAFL.
Hill is the cousin of Fremantle guns Stephen and Bradley, and the Giants (who love his leg speed and prodigious leap) made a significant move in last year's NAB AFL Draft to get themselves up the board to take him with their 24th pick.
Hill had a delayed start to his AFL career after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction last year, but has slowly worked his way into some touch at NEAFL level, which culminated in his best performance of the season against Sydney University last week.
BOBBY HILL WITH THE MATCH WINNER!!@GWSGIANTS #NEAFL pic.twitter.com/AzWwEJFcF9
— NEAFL (@neaflofficial) June 28, 2019
The 19-year-old kicked 2.5 from 15 possessions and laid seven tackles, but it was a brilliant solo effort to nail his second major that turned heads.
After being involved in the play at half-back, Hill swooped on a loose ball at the other end of the ground seconds later and dribbled through the game-winning goal as the game clock ran down to give the Giants a two-point win.
The outstanding passage of play certainly captured the attention of GWS coach Leon Cameron, who is a massive fan of Hill, and has been waiting for a chance to bring him into the senior side.
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"We all sit back in awe (sometimes) and say, 'how did he do that?' or 'how did he do this?' and on the weekend he happened to be in the right spot at the right time," Cameron said.
"Sometimes you can call that luck, or you can call it outstanding footy instinct, and his running pattern to pick the ball up (and finish with a goal) was exactly that.
"He would have preferred (to have kicked) 5.2 instead of 2.5, but he had seven tackles which was really pleasing, and he likes to get after the opposition."
The Giants expect Hill to make an impression at senior level. Picture: AFL Photos
Cameron said Hill has pushed himself into AFL calculations in recent weeks with his constant improvement in the reserves and he's a chance to play his first game against the Lions, who have their own pacey goalkicker in Charlie Cameron.
"It's going to be a good selection meeting this week because of his form and that can only be a good thing for our club," the coach said.
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"You've seen him play, he's exciting and has some outstanding traits.
"Whether it's this week or next week or the week after, if he continues with that form he's going to get his opportunity at AFL level.
"Our boys are excited to have him on our list because he's going to add some enormous value (to the team) going forward.
"We're really pleased with where he's heading and it's going to be excited when we do pick him."
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The Giants have been patient with the lightly-framed speedster , who is listed at just 66kg, and Cameron said that policy will continue with Hill as he negotiates his first year in the League.
"He did miss 12 months and we got him halfway through his (rehabilitation from a) shoulder reconstruction, and he couldn't do the majority of the pre-season," he said.
"There's been some ups and downs with his body as well, so we're mindful that he's a first-year player, and sometimes you throw them out there too quick and they can break down."