Motivation fires Hill

Highly-skilled forward Josh Hill isn’t lacking motivation as he steels himself for a massive year as the Western Bulldogs take aim at grabbing the AFL’s ultimate glory in 2010.

The Claremont (Western Australia) product was left shattered after being controversially dropped after the side’s 14-point loss to Geelong in the first week of the finals last year.

Hill had played 23 games in succession (kicking 33 goals) before being unluckily replaced by back pocket Tim Callan, who was promoted for just his second game of the year.

He looked on from the sidelines as the Bulldogs bounced back to thrash Brisbane by 51 points in a cut-throat semi-final before failing to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal to go down to St Kilda by seven points in an edge-of-your-seat-thriller of a preliminary final.

Not surprisingly, Hill admits his shock axing at such an important time of the season caused plenty of anguish.

“I took it pretty hard,” he said.

“For about a week after the grand final, it was pretty upsetting. Just knowing we could’ve been there and I could’ve been there (playing in the grand final) was tough to take.

”(But) we know it’s in the past.”

Hill is determined to use the bitter experience as “motivation” this year.

“I want to hopefully get back into the side and stay there,” he added.

“Everyone is feeling good. Obviously, the new players coming in have added a lot of excitement.”

Hill is thrilled with the arrival of AFL 250-gamer and Sydney’s 2005 premiership captain Barry Hall at the Whitten Oval.

“He’s fitted in well with the boys,” he said.

“He likes a bit of a joke. He’s got some good stories. He’s always talking about ‘Goodesy’ (Adam Goodes) and ‘Micky O’ (Michael O’Loughlin) which is great.’’

Hill predicts second year draftee Jordan Roughead, a strapping 19-year-old forward/ruckman, can have an “impact” at some stage this year.

“He’s really coming up,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hill is counting down the days to the 2010 season launch of the Marngrook Footy Show on Foxtel and Channel 31 on Thursday, March 11.

He’s a massive fan of the program.

“I never miss it. It’s a real funny show,” he said with a beaming smile.

“Gilbert (McAdam) always gives me a laugh. Him and Ronnie ( Burns) having a crack at each other all the time cracks me up. They’re great characters.’’

Hill loves host Grant Hansen’s style.

“’Granty’ is the best host going around. I love his Elvis hairstyle. Make sure you put that on the website,’’ he said with a chuckle.

“He always comes down to the rooms after games to say hello to the boys.”

Hill recently celebrated his 21st birthday.

He has played 42 games and kicked 49 goals since making his debut in 2007.