Hamilton to strut his stuff on the big stage

By Max Stainkamph

Apr 29, 2022

Shock debut: Giants defender Cooper Hamilton at his home in Colbinabbin after being drafted last year. Photo Steve Huntley Photo by steve Huntley.

Colbinabbin’s Cooper Hamilton will make a shock debut for the GWS Giants in Adelaide this weekend.

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The gut-running midfielder was a standout in the Giants’ preseason 2km time trial after a sub-six minute effort at the Victorian Country draft combine in 2021, he was taken by the Giants in the rookie draft last year.

The endurance king has been in solid form at VFL level for the Giants, but was in no way expecting a call-up to the senior side.

The Bendigo Pioneers product has been averaging 17.6 disposals and a touch over five marks a game at that level, but told afl.com.au he was blindsided by being handed a debut.

"I wouldn't say I saw it coming,“ he said.

“We're all playing some pretty good football and I thought there was like five or six of us in contention to play.

“I didn't think it would be me but I was lucky enough to get the call-up and I'm ecstatic to."

His family is expected to make the trip across to Adelaide to watch the Giants take on the Crows, with twin brother Hugh also hoping to come across.

"It still hasn't hit me yet. I didn't know what to do,“ Hamilton said.

“I look pretty awkward in the video because I'm just sitting there and not knowing what to do.

“It's pretty crazy and I honestly don't know how to feel to be honest.”

First bounce is at 2.10pm on Saturday.