Stephen Gilham


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Stephen Gilham (born 2 September 1984) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Port Adelaide Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club and Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League (AFL). He now works as a Partnerships Manager with Swisse.[1]

Stephen Gilham
Personal information
Full name Stephen Gilham
Date of birth 2 September 1984 (age 40)
Original team(s) Oakleigh Chargers (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 16, 2002 national draft
Debut Round 18, 2005, Port Adelaide vs. Kangaroos, at Manuka Oval
Height 192 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Weight 86 kg (190 lb)
Position(s) Defender
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2003–2005 Port Adelaide 001 (0)
2006–2012 Hawthorn 098 (4)
2013–2014 Greater Western Sydney 015 (0)
Total 114 (4)

1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2014.

Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Gilham's junior career was distinguished, playing for Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup and in 2002 he was chosen to captain the Victoria Metro under 18 side in the national carnival. A skinny defender, Gilham was taken by Port Adelaide with its second pick (pick 16 overall) in the 2002 AFL draft.

Gilham's three seasons at Port Adelaide were hampered by groin and shoulder injuries, together with difficulty gaining the strength to succeed as a key defender in the AFL. Gilham only managed one senior game during his time in South Australia, in 2005 as result of an injury and illness to two other players.[2] He was delisted at the end of the season. Gilham's return to Victoria (and the AFL) came courtesy of Hawthorn, who selected him with pick 34 in the 2006 Rookie draft.

Gilham spent most of 2006 playing for Hawthorn's VFL affiliate team, Box Hill, before eventually earning an opportunity in the senior side in the round 19 match against Carlton. He remained in the side for the remainder of the season, and impressed observers with his composure under pressure.

In recognition of his improvement in both game play and muscle mass, Gilham was promoted to Hawthorn's senior list for season 2007. During the 2007 season, Gilham consolidated a role in the senior side. He played every match for the year, and was effective on a wide range of opponents in defence. His solid form continued in 2008, culminating with a key role in the 2008 AFL Grand Final. After fellow key defender Trent Croad was forced from the field with a broken foot early in the second quarter, Gilham's presence provided vital stability on the last line, helping the team to claim the 2008 AFL premiership.

Gilham injured his left knee when he hyperextended in a NAB Cup quarter-final against Carlton more in 2009 pre-season cup. [3]

In round eight of the 2011 season whilst playing against St Kilda, Gilham ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and then missed the rest of the season[4]

Greater Western Sydney

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Gilham was traded to the Greater Western Sydney Giants on 26 October 2012.

On 26 August 2014, Gilham announced his retirement from the AFL, effective at the end of the season.[5]

Legend

  G  

 Goals

  K  

 Kicks

  D  

 Disposals 

  T  

 Tackles

  B  

 Behinds 

  H  

 Handballs 

  M  

 Marks

Honours and achievements

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Team

Individual

  • Under 18 All-Australian team: 2002
  1. ^ "08: Where are they now?". Hawthorn Football Club. Archived from the original on 13 August 2019. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  2. ^ McClure, Geoff; Sporting Life: Hurried Debut; The Age; 2 August 2005
  3. ^ Knee Slows Gilham Return Herald Sun [dead link]
  4. ^ "Gilham's season over – AFL – Sportal Australia". sportal.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011.
  5. ^ "Premiership Duo Retire". Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  6. ^ "AFL Tables – Stephen Gilham – Stats – Statistics". afltables.com. Retrieved 13 May 2023.