150 up for Ashton Hams as Bulldogs try to upset Lions

SOUTH Fremantle coach Todd Curley has enjoyed his chance to coach Ashton Hams this season ahead of his 150th game and wouldn’t be surprised to see him add to his individual accolades, but for now the focus for the Bulldogs is on plotting the downfall of Subiaco.

Hams will add another notch to an already remarkably decorated career this Saturday at Medibank Stadium when South Fremantle enters the clash needing to beat the rampant league-leading reigning premiers Subiaco to remain in the race to play finals for the first time since 2011.

The 28-year-old will earn life membership at South Fremantle by playing his 150th game as part of a career that has seen him play in the 2005 and 2009 premierships, and win a grand final and State game Simpson Medal on top of his 39 AFL matches with the West Coast Eagles.

Curley was still captain at West Perth when Hams began his league career in 2004 and then coached against him at the Falcons before now having coached him for almost a whole season leading into his 150th game on Saturday.

The thing that has stood out as coach for Curley is just how competitive Hams is and he’s hoping it’s a milestone for him to remember on Saturday at Medibank Stadium.

“It’s a great effort to become a life member by playing 150 games as well as his AFL stint. He’s a premiership player and he’s been really good for us this year as well, so it will be a really good occasion for him and his family on Saturday to reach the milestone,” Curley said.

“His real strength is that he’s ultra-competitive and doesn’t like to get beaten, but he’s also really flexible and can play back and mid, and even forward if you really need him to.

“He gives us some really good flexibility and the thing that stands out to me the most is his competitiveness. You know what you’re going to get from him every week.”

Hams already has two premiership, two Simpson Medals and two State game appearances to his credit from his 149-game WAFL career, and Curley sees no reason to suggest he isn’t a chance to finish 2015 with both a South Fremantle fairest and best award and Sandover Medal to his collection.