Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Fifth club a possibility for premiership defender
SEN • August 21st, 2025 9:00 am
GWS is showing interest in Sydney’s Joel Hamling, according to reports.
AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich is reporting that the Western Bulldogs premiership defender is a chance to land at a fifth club this off-season.
The Giants are bracing for Leek Aleer and Wade Derksen to leave this coming trade period which will open a key defensive slot for 32-year-old Hamling.
It is understood that the Giants are seeking cover for their current key defensive stocks of Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun and Harry Himmelberg.
Hamling started his career with Geelong when drafted in 2011 but never played a senior game for the Cats in his three years there.
He then spent two seasons with the Dogs - where he made his AFL debut - playing a key defensive role in their drought-breaking 2016 flag triumph over his current club the Swans.
A six-year stint at Fremantle ensued for the Western Australian who moved to Sydney at the end of 2023. He has played 14 games in red and white this year but is without a contract for 2026.
Hamling has played 105 AFL games for three clubs - 23 for the Dogs, 68 for Freo, 14 for the Swans.
Dale Kickett holds the record for playing senior games at five AFL clubs - Fitzroy, West Coast, St Kilda, Essendon and Fremantle.
