General News
14 July, 2022
Sinnott sets sights on draft
CAMPERDOWN export Hamish Sinnott is hoping to hold a permanent spot in Carlton’s VFL side.
CAMPERDOWN export Hamish Sinnott is hoping to hold a permanent spot in Carlton’s VFL side.
Sinnott, who made his VFL debut with the Blues against Port Melbourne last Saturday, has his sights set on an AFL career.
“The ultimate dream would be to play AFL so I’m really hoping to get drafted,” he said.
“Last Saturday’s game with the Blues was amazing; it’s probably the fastest game I’ve played so far.”
The 18 year-old backman finished with 10 disposals in his side’s three point loss.
“I was really happy with how I went and was hoping to get another call-up this weekend but the coach called late Wednesday afternoon to say there was four seniors coming into the side this weekend,” Sinnott said.
Despite missing the call-up for Saturday, Sinnott remains upbeat about his future.
“It’s a great experience just to be in the squad. I’ll keep training hard and hopefully play some good footy with the Rebels in the meantime.”
A former Mercy Regional College student, Sinnott signed with the Blues at the start of this year and is thoroughly enjoying the experience and the environment.
“It’s been great so far,” he said.
“The atmosphere is amazing and I just love the culture at the club.”
Living with older brother Zac in Footscray, Sinnott is relishing in his busy lifestyle – juggling training commitments with his work as a stable hand at Flemington.
“I certainly keep busy but I’m loving life. I work four days in the stables, train twice a week with Carlton and then head to Ballarat every Thursday to train with the Rebels.”
Sinnott played all his junior footy with Camperdown, including stints in the Magpies’ under 12s, under 14s and under 16s before earning selection in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels squad in the NAB League.
As a top age player, he produced a best-on-ground performance in his last Rebels match (played against the Northern Knights) where he notched up 34 touches and a goal, playing as an inside midfielder.
The Rebels currently sit ninth on the ladder after 12 rounds.
Sinnott has played eight of those games, averaging 19.6 disposals and has kicked four goals.
“I’m enjoying some pretty good form in the NAB league at the moment so I’m hoping I can seal my spot with Carlton, play some good footy and attract some attention from the recruiters,” he said.
Sinnott’s football pathway seems to have been set at an early age.
His love of the game was encouraged by his father Matt, who played in the former TAC Cup for the Geelong Falcons as an 18 year-old.
His uncle, Aaron, also played VFL for the Blues – “back when it was known as the Bullants.”
“I guess you could say footy is in my blood,” Sinnott said.
“But I hope to go one step further than dad and Uncle Aaron and make it to AFL level,” Sinnott said.
“I’d love to play for Carlton at that level but who knows.…..just to get picked up in the draft (by any club) would be amazing.”
While his family and friends are no doubt cheering on the Blues when Sinnott is playing, he said the family home was “pretty colourful.”
“I grew up barracking for Geelong until Gary Ablett moved to the Gold Coast Suns then I was a GC fan,” he said.
“But the rest of my family follow Geelong, except mum – she’s a Bombers supporter.”
No matter what jumper Sinnott pulls on in the future, one thing is for certain; he will have not only his family but the Camperdown community behind him.
“My roots are in Camperdown and my fondest memories of kicking the footy as a kid are in the Magpies jumper.”