WHEN Swan Districts great Tallan Ames pulled the curtain on a sparkling WAFL career last season, he had no immediate thoughts of playing again.
Fast-forward a little over six months and Ames finds himself about to trade in his black and white for the blue and yellow of Gosnells Hawks in the Western Australian Amateur Football League.
The veteran of more than 250 WAFL games admitted he initially had no intention of playing at a lower level, but said his friendship with club members Stewart and Jay Divitini persuaded him to lace up the boots once more.
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READ NOW“When the boys knew I’d hung the boots up, they knew I’d be pretty itchy and asked if I’d come down,” he said.
“I wasn’t really fond of playing any structured football, I hadn’t gone out to seek out an amateur club.
“I was going to wait for the season to start to see how I felt. I retired at the right time, but the opportunity to have a kick with some great mates and have a bit of fun was hard to turn down.”
Ames’ glittering career with the Swans included the 2010 premiership, a best-and-fairest award and co-captaincy, but he insisted he was purely focused on enjoying his football.
“The important thing is the boys have a red hot dip and are going out there and enjoying their football,” he said.
“I’m not expecting anything at all other than enjoying an afternoon of football with like-minded people.
“ I know some clubs chase up ex-AFL players and offer them money, but I’m doing it out of a love of football and the guys I know who play down there.”
Ames is expected to make his home debut for the Hawks at Gosnells Recreation Ground this weekend against Midland Football Club, on what is expected to be a big day for the club.
In addition to Ames’ debut, Gosnells’ inaugural women’s side will be playing its first home game at 12pm against University Football Club.
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