Chance Bateman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chance Bateman |
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Bateman with Hawthorn in 2007
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| Personal information | |||
| Nickname(s) | Changa | ||
| Date of birth | 21 June 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Perth, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Perth Football Club | ||
| Draft | No. 48, 1999 national draft | ||
| Debut | Round 3, 2000, Hawthorn v. Brisbane Lions, at Melbourne Cricket Ground |
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| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Chance Bateman (born 21 June 1981) is a former Australian rules football player and coach. He played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Chance Bateman made history at Hawthorn. He was the first Indigenous player to play 100 games for the club. He also became the first Aboriginal life member. He was a development coach for the West Coast Eagles until the end of the 2020 season.
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Early Football Days
Chance Bateman learned to play football in York, Western Australia. He then played for Perth in the Westar Rules league. Before joining the AFL, he was chosen as an "Under 18 All-Australian" player. This meant he was one of the best young players in the country.
Playing in the AFL
Hawthorn picked Chance Bateman in the 1999 AFL Draft as pick number 48. The club felt lucky to get him. At first, he was quite light, so he needed to get stronger. His early career had some interruptions because of injuries. But each time, he worked hard to get back on the field. He became a very important player for the team.
Chance once said that the strength of Aboriginal players comes from their family. He faced a very tough time when he wanted to be closer to his family. He was very grateful for Hawthorn's support during this period.
He shared his feelings about playing for Hawthorn:
I'd stay at Hawthorn for as long as they'd have me, they've been fantastic for me. You don't really think too much about the milestones as they're coming up, but as you pass them you sort of look back with a bit of pride. I'm our first indigenous life member and to have had a small part in the club's history is pretty special.
In 2006, Chance played 21 games. He finished 12th in the club's "Best and Fairest" award. This award goes to the team's best player. Chance was known for his unique dreadlocks. He was one of Hawthorn's most valuable players. His speed and toughness helped the team play a fast and exciting game. He often played on the wing, which is a key position on the field.
His amazing speed was noticed, and he was chosen for the 2006 International Rules Series. This series saw Australian players compete against Irish players.
A big moment for Chance was when he captained Hawthorn in an Indigenous round game in 2007. They played against West Coast, who were led by David Wirrpanda. Hawthorn won that game.
Chance Bateman kicked Hawthorn's first goal in the 2008 Grand Final. This was a huge game, and Hawthorn went on to win the championship! After the Grand Final win, Chance cut off his dreadlocks for charity. The money raised went to the Rioli Fund. This fund helps improve Aboriginal health across Australia.
In 2009, Chance Bateman and captain Sam Mitchell were the only Hawthorn players to play in every game. He missed the first game of 2010 due to a suspension. In 2011, Chance was added to Hawthorn's veterans list. This meant he was a highly experienced player.
Honours and Achievements
Chance Bateman achieved many great things in his football career.
Team Achievements
- AFL premiership player (Hawthorn): 2008
* This means his team, Hawthorn, won the AFL championship in 2008.
- Minor premiership (Hawthorn): 2012
* Hawthorn finished at the top of the ladder after the regular season in 2012.
- VFL premiership player (Box Hill): 2001
* He also won a championship in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 2001.
Individual Achievements
- Australia international rules football team: 2006
* He represented Australia in international games.
* He was chosen to play in a special team made up of the best Indigenous players.
- Hawthorn life member
* This is a special honour given to people who have made a significant contribution to the club.
Images for kids
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Bateman with Hawthorn in 2007
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Bateman tackling an opposition player in 2007
