Mum to stars basks in glory
After years watching her sons play backyard kick to kick, Stephanie Gray has grown used to the sibling rivalry from having footy-obsessed boys.
But she never imagined she would one day see them take on each other on the AFL's biggest stage.
On Saturday, Dockers speedster Stephen Hill, 23, and Hawthorn wingman Bradley Hill, 20, will become the first brothers to play in opposing grand final teams in 101 years.
And their number one fan and biggest influence will be cheering them on at the MCG, decked out in Hawthorn and Fremantle colours.
Ms Gray grew up watching local football at Hudson Oval in Girrawheen, where the boys first played, and always hoped her sons would reach the AFL.
Their father Stephen Hill Sr was a gun footballer with South-West team Boyanup-Capel-Dardanup and Sunday League team Wanneroo
Young Stephen showed promise early and in his second year of AusKick he was moved up to the under 9s because the other kids couldn't match him.
"He was the only one getting the ball, he'd kick goals from the middle and the back and they needed the other kids to have a go," she laughed.
Bradley developed his pace chasing his big brother.
"They've always been competing," she said. "Stephen was that bit older and faster, so Bradley always wanted to beat him and he still wants to beat him."
Though both were blessed with the same speed and endurance to tear AFL games apart, they are like chalk and cheese.
"Brad's more outgoing. He's cheeky," their mother said. "Stephen is reserved and quiet - more like me."
Stephen Hill breaks clear against Sydney. Picture: Getty Images
The brothers from Clarkson have played each other only once - in round four this year in Launceston, when they paid for their mum to fly to the game, which Hawthorn won by 42 points.
"I'm happy, worried and nervous," Ms Gray said.
"I just hope they both do well and have a good game. I will feel sad for the loser but they'll be right. They've done so well to get there and hopefully they'll get another chance."
Bradley, who took jumper 32 because it was his brother's number but now wears No. 10, said his mum could at least relax because she was the only parent guaranteed to have a son in a premiership team.
"It'd be pretty hard but obviously she's going to have one son who is going to be a premiership player," he said. "It'll mean a lot to me and my family.
"It'll be a real big game for them. They'll have to go for us and not either team."
Stephen expressed pride in his younger brother but said all bets would be off when they faced off at the weekend.
Brad Hill applies the pressure with a strong tackle. Picture: Getty Images
"We have sent a few texts just saying well done on the win and pretty much 'see you next week', so it's pretty exciting times," he said.
"I thought he did pretty well on Friday night. It was good watching him and seeing him get the win.
"I did get a bit excited actually seeing him kick that goal."
Stephen paid tribute to the influence of their mother.
"She has been great, always taking us to training and making sure we got to the footy every week," he said.
"She is really proud at the moment and really excited."
Bradley believes he is faster than Stephen, who said he would have something to say about that.
"We haven't really had a race in a while," he said. "If we get that opportunity, I will try and burn him off this weekend."
