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 an Australian rules football coach and former player. He played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Chance was a talented midfielder known for his speed and strong play.
He made history at Hawthorn as their first Indigenous player to play 100 games. He was also the first Aboriginal person to become a life member of the club. After his playing career, he became a development coach for the West Coast Eagles.
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Starting His Football Journey
Chance Bateman started playing football in York, Western Australia. He then played with the Perth Football Club in the Westar Rules league (a local competition). He was very good at a young age. In 1999, he was chosen for the 'Under 18 All-Australian' team. This showed he was one of the best young players in the country.
Playing in the AFL
Hawthorn picked Chance Bateman in the 1999 AFL Draft. He was the 48th player chosen. Hawthorn felt lucky to get him, thinking he would be picked earlier. Because he was not very big, he needed time to get stronger.
Early in his career, Chance had some injuries. But he always worked hard to come back. He became a very important player for the team.
Chance once said that Aboriginal players get their strength from their family. He had a very tough time in 2001 when his sister passed away. He wanted to go home to be with his parents. He was sad that he could not move to a club closer to his family at that time.
He later shared how much Hawthorn meant to him:
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. Bateman was known for his unique dreadlocks hairstyle. His speed and tough play on the wing made him a very valuable player for Hawthorn. He helped the team play an exciting style of football.
His amazing speed was noticed by others. He was chosen to play for the Australian international rules football team in 2006. This team toured Ireland.
A big moment for Chance was in 2007. He was captain for Hawthorn in an Indigenous Round game against West Coast. Hawthorn won that game.
In the 2008 Grand Final, Chance kicked Hawthorn's first goal. Hawthorn went on to win the championship that year. After the Grand Final win, Chance had his dreadlocks cut off. This was done 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 because of a suspension. He was put on Hawthorn's veterans list in 2011. 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 (with Hawthorn): 2008
- Minor premiership (with Hawthorn): 2012
- VFL premiership player (with Box Hill): 2001
Individual Achievements
- Australia international rules football team: 2006
- Indigenous All-Stars team: 2003
- Hawthorn life member
