FLOOD OF EMOTION
The Suns said they wanted strong characters in their AFLW 2020 playing group – they have got them
STANDING on the manicured field of Metricon Stadium as one of the first AFLW players ever signed by Gold Coast, Ellie Hampson’s mind was still on those battling the flood crisis back home in Townsville.
Hampson has been unveiled as one of three Suns academy players listed by the club in the lead-up to their AFLW inclusion in 2020, along with Gold Coaster Charlotte Hammans and Cairns flyer Kitara Whap-Farrar.
Like many parts of Townsville, Hampson’s home football club Hermit Park is completely under water.
The only signs of the club existing are the goalposts, light towers and second storey of the yellow clubhouse. Hampson’s home in Annandale has been spared from ruin but many others close to her haven’t been so lucky.
She spent the early parts of the week helping flood victims and after a whirlwind day trip down to the Gold Coast to mark the biggest moment of her career so far, plans on lending a hand in the recovery.
“A lot of people close to me like my boyfriend have been flooded, and a lot of my friends,” Hampson said on the day she turned 18.
“There were a couple of lucky ones but many weren’t as lucky. It was an emotional time but now it’s about the recovery and about trying to clean up as much as we can.”
The William Ross State High School captain has organised a group of students to aid in the recovery.
Hampson hopes the news of her Suns contract and place in history will provide something for the Hermit Park Tigers to celebrate.
The midfielder, who also plays halfback, was offered the deal by Suns women’s football manager Fiona McLarty on Thursday night, providing welcome relief to a tough week.
“It’s such an amazing feeling and I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” the former Queensland football representative said.
“My family are proud and all the hard work they have seen me put in is paying off. This is where the road starts and when I’ll be pushing really hard now.”
The togetherness of those back in Townsville is what Hampson and her initial teammates want the Suns women’s team’s values to be built on.
“We want to be a family,” Hampson said. “Even us three have done some travelling together but we were never real close but it’s like we have become best friends through this experience.”
The entire Suns AFL playing list and staff gathered on the lawn outside the Gold Coast’s Carrara headquarters on Thursday to welcome the trio to the club.
“Every single player came and shook our hands. It’s amazing to have that support and it makes you feel important,” Hampson said.