Stephen Hill (Australian footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stephen Hill |
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Hill playing for Fremantle in 2016
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Stephen Hill | ||
| Date of birth | 1 May 1990 | ||
| Original team | West Perth (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | 3rd overall, 2008 Fremantle |
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| Debut | Round 1, 2009, Fremantle v. Western Bulldogs, at Subiaco Oval |
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| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Stephen Hill (born May 1, 1990) is a former Australian rules football player. He played for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Stephen was known for his amazing speed and smart plays on the field. He was a key midfielder for Fremantle for many years.
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Early Football Days
Stephen Hill started his football journey playing for the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). He was a very talented young player. In 2008, he played for Western Australia in the Under 18 Championships. He played so well that he was chosen for the Under 18 All-Australian Team. This team features the best young players from across Australia.
Before the 2008 AFL Draft, many people thought Fremantle would pick him early. They were right!
Stephen's AFL Career
Joining the Fremantle Dockers
Fremantle chose Stephen Hill with their very first pick in the 2008 AFL Draft. He was the third player picked overall in the whole draft. This showed how highly he was rated.
Stephen made his first AFL appearance in Round 1 of the 2009 AFL season. He played against the Western Bulldogs. In an exciting start, he kicked a goal with his very first kick in AFL football! This happened because of a 50-metre penalty given to his team.
Rising Star and Key Player
After a few games, Stephen really shone in Round 6. This was during a big game called the Western Derby against the West Coast Eagles. He had 21 possessions, kicked 2 goals, and made 7 "inside 50s." An "inside 50" means he moved the ball into his team's attacking area. Fremantle won the game, and Stephen earned an AFL Rising Star nomination for his great performance. He even received 3 Brownlow votes, meaning he was judged the best player on the field that day.
Stephen became a much better player throughout his career. He was known for thinking quickly and using his fast speed to move the ball. He was a very important player for Fremantle for over a decade.
Retirement from Football
Stephen Hill retired from AFL football in August 2021. He had faced several injuries in his final seasons. He played 218 games and kicked 112 goals for Fremantle. He is also a Fremantle Life Member, which is a special honor for players who have played many games for the club.
Family and Football Connections
Stephen Hill has a strong football family. His younger brother, Bradley Hill, also played in the AFL. They even played against each other in the 2013 AFL Grand Final. This was a rare event, as they were the first brothers to play against each other in a Grand Final since 1912!
Stephen is also the first cousin of Bobby Hill. Bobby played for the Greater Western Sydney Giants and won a premiership with Collingwood in 2023. Bobby also won the Norm Smith Medal in that Grand Final, which is given to the best player on the field. Stephen is also a second cousin to Joshua Hill, who played for the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles.
