Shaun Hampson

Career: 2007-
Debut: Round 21, 2007 vs North Melbourne
Carlton Player No. 1 106
Games: 27*
Goals: 5*
Guernsey No. 22
Height: 201cm
Weight: 100kg
DOB: 21 March, 1988


Hampson was selected at #17 with Carlton's Priority selection in the 2006 Draft as a developing young ruckman, He had only 2 years experience in the game, switching from soccer. Quick and agile, he played for QLD at U18 level in 2006. He recorded 3.00sec for 20m at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft Camp, outstanding for his size, coupled with an 86cm vertical leap, placing him in the top 5% of players tested.

Despite a relatively slow start at Carlton, including time at the Bullants Reserves to hone his understanding of the game, Hampson was selected as an emergency for the Round 19 clash versus Port Adelaide in a great sign of confidence by the Club in his ability. Two weeks later, he made his debut for the Blues against the Kangaroos. Unfortunately, he sustained a hand injury very early in the match and didn't have a major impact on the match but showed enough to suggest he could be a strong force for the Blues in the future. The following week, Shaun kicked a very timely first AFL goal in the last quarter of the Round 22 match against Melbourne from a set shot about 40 metres out on a slight angle (and hopefully the first of many more to come). He showed some very exciting signs in this game picking up 9 disposals, 8 hit outs, 4 marks and a goal while impressing with his exceptional leap and mobility.

After an extremely promising pre-season, Shaun maintained a knee injury and was forced to sit out Round 1 against the Tigers. He was back the next week to take on St Kilda and managed to kick a goal courtesy of a brilliant pass from Marc Murphy.

Midway through 2008, Shaun signed a 3-year contract with the Blues which would hopefully see him remain at the club until the end of 2011. This was great news for supporters who were worried he might be sent to the new Gold Coast team.

2008 was a development year for Hampson. He played 10 games and averaged over 8 hit outs. In Round 9, 2009, Hampson was called up for his first game of the season in which he would come up against Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands. 15 games in his third season was a great effort for the towering ruckman, whos leap and desperation became noticeable throughout the year.

Links

Blueseum: Stat Summary of Hampson's Playing Career | Career Breakdown | Hampson's Blueseum Image Gallery