The GIANTS are excited to announce another fresh face to their AFL coaching group for 2027, with former star Essendon ruckman David Hille joining the club.
One of three new additions to the club’s coaching ranks, Hille joins the GIANTS as a part-time Ruck Coach to help mentor and develop the club’s talented young ruck stocks.
Hille brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience following a brilliant 13-year career with the Bombers from 2001-2013.
One of the competition’s most reliable and consistent ruckmen for more than a decade, Hille played 197 games and kicked 153 goals across an esteemed career which saw him win Essendon’s 2008 best and fairest, the W.S. Crichton Medal, as well as hold the role of vice-captain for six years.
Hille also captained Essendon for the majority of the 2006 season after being named stand-in skipper following a long-term injury to captain Matthew Lloyd.
The 45-year-old will now round out a new-look coaching group at the GIANTS for 2027, with Hille joining fellow newcomers Adam Read and Ryan Burton as fresh faces in Adam Kingsley’s coaching group.
Speaking at his first day at the club on Friday, Hille said he was excited about his return to footy and to be joining the GIANTS.
“It's great to reconnect into footy after quite some time away,” Hille said.
“It’s a really welcoming environment and I’ve really enjoyed my first day.
“What appeals to me the most is the opportunity to work with the young and energetic playing group and help these young kids.
“I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen today. They’ve come back in great condition and all have a positive attitude and I’m looking forward to working with them and seeing them progress over the coming months.”
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Hille was a fantastic addition to the GIANTS.
“It’s really exciting to welcome someone of David’s calibre to the club and add him to our coaching group for 2027,” McCartney said.
“He was an elite player for a long period of time and has a great understanding of what it takes to succeed at AFL level and we’re looking forward to seeing him work with our group and share that knowledge and experience.
“We have a really promising and talented group of young ruckmen, and David’s expertise will be incredibly valuable in helping them continue to develop and prepare to perform at the highest level.
“Beyond his knowledge of the game, David is also a fantastic person and a tremendous leader, and we’re confident he’ll have a really positive influence on our playing group.
“With the addition of Adam Read, Ryan Burton and now David, we’ve got a great mix of continuity, fresh perspectives and new ideas within our coaching group and we’re really excited about what those three can bring and what we can achieve together in 2027.”
