Talented 17-year-old Queanbeyan Tiger, Cynthia Hamilton, has been named at full-forward in the U19 AFLW All Australian team.
The nod comes after Hamilton enjoyed a sensational national championship playing across the forward line and midfield for the Allies in April.
She averaged 21.5 disposals (13.5 contested), 10 tackles, five inside 50s and kicked two goals in two matches, taking out her team’s MVP award.
“It took lots of time, practice and training, and I’ve finally reached a significant place, I’m happy with my achievement,” Hamilton told CW.
The precocious footballer said she was overwhelmed when Giants Academy head coach Cam Bernasconi broke the news over the phone.
“I didn’t want to cry but I was holding back the tears, my heart just dropped when I found out,” she said.
The remarkable achievement comes after years of hard work and eight seasons of local footy under her belt.
“Even being listed in the team is amazing for me,” Hamilton said modestly.
“My family is very proud too, it’s so surreal … The confidence it gives me in my footy too.”
Heading to the U19 nationals as one of the younger athletes at the tournament, Hamilton was initially nervous but settled in quickly, helped by playing alongside her sister Jayde.
“I met so many great girls and the talent was crazy different to what you see in local comps,” Hamilton smiled.
“You have the opportunity to experience such a different style of footy that people play, people who shine in their division.”
Footy ‘a different love’
Growing up in an exceptionally sporty family, Hamilton played basketball, Oztag, and was a national judo champion four years in a row.
But she knew from her first drop punt at the age of 10 that she’d found something special.
Asked to help make up the numbers for her brother’s team, a few years later she was captaining the Belconnen Magpies boys’ team.
It was a different love; I go through different sports but footy was the one I wanted to make a future out of, I love it.
Cynthia Hamilton
“That’s what makes me want to continue to get drafted, my love for footy.”
After four years with the Magpies, Hamilton moved to the Tigers where she plays first grade with two of her sisters.
“The connection with my sisters is different to the other players on the team; we click so much better and can rely on each other to be in the right spot,” she said.
“We don’t look for each other, but if we’re in the right spot, we’ll pass to one another.”
Eligible for the 2022 AFLW draft, Hamilton has her attention focused solely on doing all she can to crack the big leagues.
“For the next 12 months, I’m going to put my head down and push, give it my all to get to the draft and get drafted,” she said.
When not playing, training or doing recovery, you’ll find Hamilton skateboarding. Taking it up last year, like footy, it was an activity she was immediately drawn to.
“It’s so different to footy and it’s another thing I love,” she said.
“Whenever I’m not on the footy ground I’m at the skatepark near my house.”
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