Season in short:

Recruited to the Club with pick number 39 in last year’s draft, Declan Hamilton experienced a development year for Footscray.

The 19-year-old gained confidence playing 18 games against bigger bodies in the VFL, and will be well-placed as he enters his first full pre-season as an AFL footballer.

Hamilton spent the majority of his year across half-forward, with stints on the wing and through the midfield.

He enjoyed a purple patch from rounds five to seven, collecting 22, 23 and 17 disposals – with his crafty skills and football smarts on show.

Stat that mattered:

Hamilton kicked 11 goals in his first season of senior football for Footscray.

What they said:

“I’m learning to get better in the contest and defensively, but I think I’ve shown growth in all areas of my game and that’s what I’m continuing to do, I’m trying to become the best player I can be. I think playing 18 games and playing injury free for the whole year just gives you a platform to go for the next pre-season and pursue to play AFL footy.” – Declan Hamilton, September 2015

“We saw patches in the VFL with Dec, he’s got some smarts about him, especially in that half-forward area and he went on to the wing, so it was a real development year.

“Another one that has got to put a big pre-season in to get his body right for the rigours of senior footy but we were happy with his progress and there were little things in his game that came out and we think if he can be consistent in those areas he’s going to have a long career.” – Daniel Giansiracusa (Western Bulldogs Assistant Coach), September 2015