Taken in the 2009 rookie draft, Hams quickly became a fan favourite, playing in 11 games in season 2010, including the infamous match against Essendon in round 16 at Etihad Stadium. While teammate Mark LeCras may have set the goal-kicking record at the venue that night, bagging 12 goals, Hams managed to kick three of his own in an energetic performance.
Struggling for senior opportunities in 2011, the South Fremantle product made up for an inconsistent first half of the season, which was interrupted by injury and suspension, with a stronger second half when he was able to string more games together.
After being selected for the season opener against North Melbourne this year, Hams did not play a senior game again until round 21, featuring in a total of four games at AFL level in 2011.
He was among the Bulldogs’ best in the semi-final, playing at half-forward and through the midfield, accumulating 29 possessions and laying four tackles.
The 25-year-old said it was a dream come true to be elevated.
“I’m pretty pumped about it,” Hams said. “It’s really exciting. At first, I was just happy to be listed as a rookie, but then it was the dream to get on the senior list.
“It was really important for me to have a big second half. I had a few injuries, and then I got suspended, so it was hard to string games together.
“It was good to get a few senior games towards the end of the season, it was a hard side to get into. I’ve got my sights on a big pre-season now and hopefully I can cement my spot.
“I’m looking forward to getting straight into it, without having to wait for someone to get injured to get a game.”
Joining a host of current West Coast regulars who began their careers on the rookie list, including Dean Cox, Matt Priddis and Mark Nicoski, Hams said he was inspired by Priddis’ journey in particular.
“I played against Pridda for a few years when he was at Subiaco, so I’ve been watching his progress,” Hams said.
“He’s one of the dominant AFL players now and he started on the rookie list and worked his way up. The way he goes about it, he’s very professional, and I’d love to follow in his footsteps.”
WEST COAST EAGLES LIST UPDATE
Senior players
Brett Jones (retired)
Jordan Jones (delisted)
Callum Wilson (delisted)
Rookies
Ashton Hams (elevated)
Tim Houlihan (delisted)
Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls (delisted)
Traded in
Josh Hill (Western Bulldogs)
Traded out
Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide)
West Coast will have selections 23 and 28 in the 2011 NAB AFL National Draft.
