Declan Hamilton to bring up game 150 in King’s Birthday clash

Norwood Premiership player Declan Hamilton will play his 150th SANFL match at Unley’s Thomas Farms Oval on King’s Birthday Monday, as his Redlegs take on Sturt in Round 9.

Hamilton – who also played his 100th game against Sturt at Unley – has barely missed a match since heading to The Parade back in 2018.

“It feels like it wasn’t too long ago I was a 21 year old rolling in the door, so nine years later to get to 150, it feels like a special achievement,” he said.

“I am lucky that I’ve had a good injury run, played nearly every game for the past three years, hopefully that continues.

“I can’t wait for Monday, it’s a big game against Sturt.”

Hamilton grew up in the Port Adelaide Zone, before being Drafted to the Western Bulldogs in 2014. He was on the list for three seasons, winning a VFL Premiership in 2016, before being delisted at the end of the 2017 season after 58 games for Footscray in the VFL.

He headed to Norwood for the 2018 season, and been an extremely consistent performer on the wing ever since, playing in three Grand Finals for the Redlegs (2018, 2022 and 2024), including the 2022 Flag.

“I am proud, when you reflect on your journey every kid has aspirations to play at the highest level, that wasn’t the case for me but I am thankful for my time in the system,” he said.

“To be able to say that you’ve been able to play Legaue footy for nine years at this footy club, it’s something I’m proud of. I know what this club means to so many and what it means to me.

“To have my name with a premiership on the honour board is awesome, I’d love to get another one, and that’s why we are still playing.

“I know this group is capable, and we are starting to show that.”

Coach Jade Sheedy congratulated Hamilton on the milestone, which draws him level on games with the now retired Matthew Panos.

“He is a high-standard player and person, and we are really looking forward to celebrating another great player of the footy club in a big milestone,” Sheedy said.

“He is a real game changer and doesn’t need a lot of disposals to have a big impact on the game, and he’s been able to do that numerous times. He has had a fantastic year and when he gets the ball he changes how we play.”

Searching for a seventh straight victory, Norwood has named a larger squad for Monday’s game against the Double Blues.

Matthew Ling has been named to play his first game of the season, after breaking his collarbone in the Trial Match, while Mitch O’Neill will return from his hamstring injury through the Reserves.

Young defender Noah Daw has been named in the League squad, and if selected will debut at SANFL level. Matthew Harms, Max Hodges, Mitch Nicholas and Oliver Sanders have all been named as inclusions on the extended bench.

Norwood will be at Unley all day on Monday as part of a Triple Header, which commences with the SANFL Women’s clash from 9:20am, followed by the Reserves at 11:30am and the SANFL Men’s at 2:10pm.

Scroll down to see the squads.