Massimo D’Ambrosio just needed someone to believe in him. That person was Sam Mitchell.
Hawthorn’s bargain trade recruit arrived at Waverley Park last October in exchange for just Pick 62 for more security, and of course, more opportunity.
Fast forward 10 months and the 21-year old has produced a career-best season on the wing to emerge as a surprise All-Australian contender for a charging Hawthorn side that’s surged all the way into the top eight.
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One of the recruits of the year even before you consider he cost Hawthorn just a pick in the 60s, fair to say both D’Ambrosio and the Hawks would be very happy with how things have panned out.
Reflecting on his move, D’Ambrosio revealed he jumped at the stability of a longer deal and the chance to move up to the wing, plus the appeal of joining a rising Hawks side with a rousing brand.
Hawks SMASH Blues to enter top eight | 02:12
“At that stage of my career I needed a bit of security,” D’Ambrosio told foxfooty.com.au in the rooms after last Sunday’s 74-point win over Carlton.
“Hawthorn offered me a two-year deal and I haven’t looked back since.
“Once the trade was done, I wanted to get to work and earn the respect of my teammates.
“Hopefully I’ve done that and I just want to keep building. I love this club already and love where we’re going.”
The recruitment of D’Ambrosio, Jack Ginnivan and Mabior Chol along with the returning Jack Gunston has made Hawthorn the clear winner of last year’s trade period despite it not parting ways with a single first-round pick.
D’Ambrosio is now one of the highest-rated wingmen in the competition, having played more games in brown and gold (20) than in two seasons combined at Essendon (16).
The silky left-footer has averaged a career-best 20 disposals per contest to go with four score involvements and 4.8 marks. If the All-Australian contenders opt for a traditional wingman, he’d be a strong chance.
Weddle high-fives crowd after STUNNER | 00:44
Originally joining the Bombers as a mid-season draftee in 2022, the youngster has always been confident in his own abilities.
Not only did Hawthorn and Sam Mitchell see something in D’Ambrosio, he was immediately entrusted with a starting spot on the wing — a role he’s thrived in.
“I always believed in myself and my support around me always did,” he continued.
“I just needed someone to believe in me and Sam’s done that. I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity he’s given me and I think I’ve taken it with both hands.
“It’s also the relationships I’ve built with my teammates, I’ve put in a lot of effort. Off the back of that I’m just having fun out there and playing to my strengths.”
D’Ambrosio noted he’s never been one to block out the “outside talk” — whether current praise as a potential All-Australian or criticism in the past.
The young gun, however, is his own biggest critic, which drives him to keep working hard.
“I always have doubts each week but I feel like that keeps me humble and driven to have a high intensity at training and leave no stone unturned,” he said.
“I hear the external talk — good and bad — but don’t let it get to me. I’ve always been like that throughout my whole career,” he said.
“I just want to get to work and all the work I’ve been doing is a bit of a reward. But it’s also off the back of us playing some good footy.”
Playing good footy is an understatement.
Mitchell discusses Hawks’ rise to top 8 | 12:29
The Hawks have won 11 of its past 14 games despite opening the season 0-5, with Sunday’s mauling of Carlton seeing it climb into the top eight for the first time this year — and the first time since 2022.
D’Ambrosio’s rise has gone hand-in-hand with that, saying “obviously we didn’t start the way we wanted” but crediting the team for lifting its training standards and preparation to become more predictable to each other.
Of course, the showtime Hawks have backed up their epic play on field with flashy celebrations and the now routine team selfie after wins amid a cheeky youthful exuberance across Mitchell’s side.
Described by Kangaroos legend David King as “healthy football arrogance,” D’Ambrosio said the hawks have a “great balance of having fun but also getting to work and having really high standards.”
Asked if this budding Hawks side is capable of doing special things, D’Ambrosio said: “100 per cent, that’s what’s so exciting about it, we’re so young.
“We haven’t got the most experienced team, but everyone buys in every week, I feel like that beats any experience.
“Everyone is putting in the work and studying the game, we’re always willing to learn. Sam has been great at helping all us young boys and fast-tracking our development to get to the standard as quickly as possible.
“We’re having fun and hopefully we can keep building.”
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