CURTLY was the name on the lips of most Australian sports fans in early 1993.

West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose had just spent a summer tormenting Aussie batsmen on the way to his country's Test series win.

Though he was a villain in cricket terms, the Hampton family of Alice Springs admired him so much they gave the unusual Christian name to their son when he was born on March 10 that year.

Almost 17 years on, Curtly Hampton looks set to match his namesake's sporting prowess as the standout performer at the AIS-AFL Academy.

Hampton has been given the rare honour of being an academy member two years in a row.

He was a year younger than his teammates in the 2009 squad but a foot injury kept him from playing.

Hampton hurt his foot just one week after his initial induction in mid-2008 and after much confusion it was discovered he had a chipped bone that required surgery.

AIS-AFL Academy coach Jason McCartney said he deserved an unprecedented second year in the system.

"It was quite unique because he was a 15-year-old and that doesn't usually occur," he said.

"He had a terribly frustrating year with injury and it is one of the first times where we've given a player a second year.

"He's got school footy in Adelaide and he has blossomed so much, partly because of the program but also because of the natural maturation. He is another year older and it has been great having him because he sets such a high standard."

Hampton is now fully fit and, along with 12 other academy members, is eligible for selection by Greater Western Sydney (GWS) as part of the new club's draft concessions.

The youngster realises his current batch of teammates could end up playing together for their entire AFL careers.

"About 13 of the boys in this group are eligible for that team. I guess if we're lucky and get picked, most of us will be teammates in the future," he said.

"To be part of a new team just starting out it he league would be a big honour."

The prospect of moving to Sydney doesn't faze Hampton either.

He has already spent 12 months boarding at Adelaide's Immanuel College.

"I was used to it because I'm always travelling for footy so being away from my family wasn't too hard," he said.

"I remember when I was going through my injury I was going through a rough time. I had the surgery and moved down to Adelaide for boarding school.

"My foot was a bit sore and I was a bit homesick, finding it hard.

"My parents were always supporting and encouraging me. They don't push me. They're great and they are the reason I'm here right now."