Former North Melbourne champion and respected football commentator Wayne Carey has expressed his admiration for Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson’s spirited form fightback.
Hampson has played a key role in the Tigers’ consecutive wins over the past two weeks, against Sydney and Fremantle, through his strong ruckwork.
He’s dominated the hit-outs at the centre bounces, as well as stoppages around the ground, and consistently provided the Richmond midfielders with crucial first use in clearance situations. And, he’s also been able to have an impact in general play.
“We saw him on a Friday night against West Coast, probably four or five weeks ago now, and he was corked everywhere," Carey said on Triple M.
“He stayed on the ground, and I thought that might just about be the end of him, because he was really, really struggling then.
“He’s fought his way back in and full credit to him, because he could have easily said, no, this is too hard and turned it up.
“But he hasn’t, so well done.”
Hampson revealed after Richmond’s 38-point victory over the Dockers at Domain Stadium last Saturday night that he was thoroughly enjoying his football at the moment following a frustrating run of form and injury setbacks.
“The last couple of years with injuries and stuff have been a bit tough, and my form hasn’t been great,” Hampson said on ABC Grandstand.
“But I’ve been pretty consistent this year, so I’m just in a really good head space at the moment.”