HAMP'S MILESTONE

By Ken Casellas

Anton Hamp has turned the full circle, without missing a beat. He started his league career as a teenager with Claremont as a forward --- and he will celebrate his 150^TH senior match for the club at full-forward against East Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday.

But in between his debut, in the round one contest against East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval in March 2011 and this week’s game, he spent five seasons as an outstanding defender at full-back.

The 28-year-old Hamp has set a wonderful example throughout his career for disciplined, selfless and high quality football. This year he has been elevated to the position of joint vice-captain and his knowledge of the game and calm demeanour have made him an excellent role model for his younger teammates.

Hamp, who started with the Claremont colts in 2010, along with Tom Ledger, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Mitchell, Jack Bradshaw and Angus Litherland, found it tough to cement a regular league spot as a key forward in a side which boasted tall key forwards Tom Lee, Chad Jones and Beau Maister.

And that’s the reason why he has chalked up 42 matches with the Claremont reserves side, including premierships in 2011 and 2012. He was drafted as a rookie by the West Coast Eagles in November 2010 and in the following two years played in three NAB Cup matches for the Eagles but managed only ten league appearances for the Tigers in those years.

He was delisted by the Eagles at the end of 2012 and scored 34 goals for Claremont in 2013 when the side finished on top of the premiership table before losing to West Perth in the second semi-final and to East Perth in the preliminary final.  

After continuing as a forward with the Tigers in 2014, Hamp was switched to full-back in 2015 and quickly gained the reputation as one of the State’s best defenders with the ability to shut down a dangerous forward and also being able to read the play astutely. His superb form earned him a place in defence in the WAFL Team of the Year last season.

Hamp, who missed four matches late last season when he was recovering from serious ligament damage to his right ankle, has booted nine goals from Claremont’s first four matches this year and has played a significant role in several others.

He has played in 143 league matches and six Foxtel Cup contests. His 150^TH senior appearance on Saturday will earn him life membership of the Claremont Football Club.