Described by GC SUNS assistant coach Mark Riley as “the shining light for the forward line this season”, Aaron Hall has gone on to play in all 22 premiership fixtures this season and cement his spot as one of Guy McKenna’s most trusted goal-kickers.
In this week’s SUNS TV Player Feature, the 22-year-old speedster talks about his journey to the AFL and the surprise phone call he received ahead of the 2012 AFL Pre-Season Draft..
“I hadn’t heard from the Gold Coast SUNS before the national draft and I had spoken with five other teams so I didn’t know if they (SUNS) were interested,” Hall said.
“On draft night I got a phone call telling me that I was flying up here and to pack my things and come and train.
“So obviously that was a great phone call and big shock.”
Before being taken by the Club with no. 7 pick in the 2012 Pre-Season Draft, Hall arrived to Metricon Stadium determined to make amends for his missed opportunity.
Filled with aspirations of making it to the big time, the 186cm utility prospect put his head down and immediately got to work.
His first task? Proving himself alongside professional athletes in a gruelling 2km time trial.
“I remember my first day we had to do a 2km time trial and it was a very tough session,” he said.
“I had to prove myself so it was pretty daunting and honestly I probably didn’t feel a part of it at the time because I didn’t have a contract and a few of the other gusy around had been picked up from the national draft.
“But I just went about my business.”
In his debut year Hall went on to manage tally a reasonable eight AFL appearances.
Knowing he could perform at the elite level spurred Hall to come back hungrier than ever in 2013, and with hard work and plenty ticker, has gone on to produce a sensational season.
Fellow team mate and close friend Gary Ablett couldn’t be happier for the sneaky goal-sneak.
“Aaron is a great man, and while I care about him as a footballer I care even more about him as a person,” he said.
“Just seeing how much he has grown this year. He is one of my best mates at the footy club and I’m stoked to see him enjoying his football.”