Hampson adds premiership experience to SharksWednesday, March 4, 2015 - 6:04 PM - by Chris Pike

GEORGE Hampson became one of the stories of the 2014 WAFL grand final playing on despite a hamstring injury and putting in a starring role in Subiaco's premiership and now he is hoping to help lead East Fremantle to the ultimate success in 2015.

The 25-year-old played his 62nd and ultimately last game with Subiaco in last year's grand final where he hurt a hamstring in the first half, but went on to kick three crucial goals as the Lions upset East Perth to claim the premiership.

However, Hampson had not played in Round 23, the second semi-final loss to East Perth or preliminary final win over East Fremantle leading into the grand final, and then when the dust had settled on the Lions' premiership, he decided it was time for him to try his hand elsewhere.

In the end, Hampson decided it was East Fremantle he wanted to continue his career at and now he could very well be the missing piece of the puzzle the Sharks need to get over the hump after losing the 2012 grand final and blowing their chances through inaccuracy in last year's preliminary final.

With 62 WAFL games under his belt, a premiership, a fairest and best award and a State game appearance last year in the win over the NEAFL, Hampson has all the credentials to really make his mark across half-forward for the Sharks.

He himself is excited at the chance to make an impact at his new club and Hampson would love nothing more than to help East Fremantle win its first premiership since 1998.

"I'm really excited to join the Sharks," Hampson said.

"I'm looking forward to putting my head down at training so I can help us achieve success this year."

The arrival of Hampson to strengthen the Sharks' ball winning and goalkicking options will help replace the retired Brett Peake, and coach Steve Malaxos has no doubt he will become a major factor in how far East Fremantle end up advancing in 2015.

"He should fit into our style of play very well. I have found him to be very enthusiastic and clear about his direction in football," Malaxos said.

"Plus I'm very happy not to have to plan how to play against him anymore."

With Liam Anthony also returning to East Fremantle after time in the AFL with North Melbourne, the Sharks have added some talent to a squad that already was unlucky to miss at least making the grand final in 2014.

East Fremantle has lost Peake and Steven Dodd to retirement, and midfielder Scott Hancock to Subiaco but the majority of the rest of the Sharks team has stuck around desperate to still taste the ultimate success.

Andrew Stephen, Rob Young, Mark McGough, Rory O'Brien, Brock O'Brien, Jack Perham, Bradd Dalziell and Tom Howlett are among the players who have been there for the 2012 grand final loss and last year's preliminary final defeat.

Malaxos is confident he has at his disposal a squad that can be strongly competitive again with Anthony looking good on return from the AFL and former skipper McGough to play on in 2015 even though he will have an interruption early on when he gets married.

"Liam Anthony has recently returned from North Melbourne and has commenced training, and is performing with distinction, particularly in our ball work drills," Malaxos said.

"Of equal significance is that Mark McGough has been able to complete his first ever fitness test here at East Fremantle. He has never been in a position to complete one previously due to injury.

"By the way, Mark is getting married in April this year. He planned this year believing at the time that he would be retired, but we are delighted he is continuing in 2015."