Time could be catching up with Fremantle’s Stephen Hill.
The 31-year-old sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL on the weekend, putting the remainder of his season in doubt.
Hill hasn’t played at AFL level in 2021 due to soft tissue issues, experiencing a setback in early June before returning with Peel on Saturday.
However, he suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problems that have plagued him this year and his time in the game could be up.
Former West Coast forward Karl Langdon feels the time is right for the Dockers to honour Hill.
“Stephen Hill, sadly, injured at the lower level and quite frankly, unfortunately, in the last game he should be going around in the car,” Langdon said on Sportsday WA.
Dockers great Paul Hasleby agrees, saying it’s a shame for the dashing wingman/half-back who was once as important to Freo as captain Nat Fyfe is.
“There was hope he could get back and maybe they could have a send-off game for him, because he deserves that. He’s been a really good player for the Fremantle Dockers,” he said.
“Through 2013, '14 and '15, he was alongside Nat Fyfe as their most important player. He was the most tagged player that they had.
“We remember that moment against Geelong (in the 2013 Qualifying Final) to help get them into that Grand Final.
“He was electrifying, he worked hard and he raced to 200 games, he was one of the quickest Dockers to get there.
“Unfortunately for the last three years it hasn’t worked out and I think that now is it for Stephen Hill.
“They need to make that decision and move on, which is sad, but it happens to everybody.”
Hill has had a wretched run with his body in recent seasons, managing just 28 matches since the beginning of 2018.
Prior to that, Hill was one of the most dynamic players in the competition highlighted by his run, carry and long kicking.
He has played 218 career games in which he has averaged 19.24 disposals and kicked 112 goals.
Hill becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.