Hamling a role model
Broome's Joel Hamling made his long-awaited AFL debut late last month, putting in an impressive performance for the Western Bulldogs against the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
The Kimberley star came through the ranks of local club Cable Beach and quickly emerged as a standout talent.
Hamling was part of the Beach side that won the West Kimberley Football League premiership in 2009, featuring as a 16-year-old and scooping the club's best first-year player award.
The following year Hamling starred again for Beach and picked up the WKFL Rising Star award as the best junior player across the region.
Hamling then opted to move to Perth, where he was snapped up by WAFL club Claremont.
After being selected by Geelong as pick 32 at the 2011 AFL draft, the youngster's dream was close to being completed.
However, Hamling struggled to break into the star-studded Cats' line-up and arrived at the Bulldogs at the end of 2014.
Following the chance to play in the pre-season NAB Cup, the Broome man made his AFL debut in the 2015 round 9 clash with GWS on Saturday, May 30.
The 22-year-old did not look out of his depth, collecting 16 disposals and taking seven marks.
Cable Beach president Jay Cassidy was full of praise for his former teammate and felt the outing would be the start of a bright career for Hamling.
"Straight away, through juniors and colts, it was easy to see Joel's talent," he said.
"Although there are a lot of talented young players in the Kimberley, Joel's attitude and commitment stood out."
Cassidy said gifted local players could use Hamling as a role model and the Bulldogs defender's attitude was just as important as his natural ability.
"Joel's case serves as a great example for other young players in the region and shows just how far you can get by being level-headed," he said.
