EVERY time Bradley Hill runs out to play for the Hawks, the moment is a proud one not only because he’s representing his family and living his boyhood dream but also because he’s continuing the legacy left by Chance Bateman.

Hill inherited the champion Hawk’s number 10 guernsey upon his retirement at the end of 2012 and has worn it proudly ever since.

Bateman was the first Indigenous player to reach the 100-game milestone at Hawthorn before going on to play 177 classy games in brown and gold, including the 2008 premiership.

He has left a legacy on the Club that Coach Alastair Clarkson often refers to, and he passed on a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to the players, particularly those of Indigenous heritage he had the opportunity to play with.

Hill, who was drafted to the Hawks in 2011 and arrived at the Ricoh Centre from Perth in November that year sought advice from Bateman almost immediately.

Bateman taught him about the importance of being professional in his training and match preparation and how his attitude towards living an elite lifestyle would help him forge a successful AFL career.

Now Hill wears Bateman’s number 10 guernsey with pride each time he steps onto the field to represent Hawthorn.

“I only spent the one-year with him but he helped me out a lot,” Hill told hawthornfc.com.au

“I was privileged to get his number and I wear it proudly each game that I go out there and play.”

Chance Bateman in action for the Hawks.

That number 10 guernsey will take on a different look when Hill puts it on in Sunday’s clash against GWS in Indigenous Round, with the Hawks, for the first time ever to wear an Indigenous guernsey.

While the moment of putting it on will be a special one for the 20-year-old, seeing his 21 teammates wearing it will be just as if not more significant.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever had an indigenous guernsey so it’s going to be a great day. It’s going to be an awesome feeling playing in it,” Hill said.

“(But) it’s not all about Indigenous players playing in the game, it’s going to be great to see all the 22 players wearing and playing in the guernsey.

“I’m sure they’re going to be just as proud as us to wear it.”

Bradley Hill's number 10 Indigenous Round guernsey.

Growing up, Hill’s love for the game started by playing Auskick at the age of six.

Then, as he got older, his love for the game and his skills developed by playing footy at the local park with his cousins.

“When I was a teenager my cousins and I would go down to the park and have a kick,” he recalled.

“It was good fun, especially playing with my younger cousins because you could see how good their skills were even when they’re kids.”

At the time, he was inspired by the contribution and play of former Adelaide Crows star Andrew McLeod but in 2008, when Cyril Rioli burst onto the scene, Hill had a new hero.

Little did he know, that four years later, he would share a locker room with his idol and one year after that, win a premiership with him.

It was Rioli’s amazing skill, speed and electricity that he brings to the game that took Hill’s eye.

And still today, there is nothing like watching a Cyril Rioli show.

“Growing up the player I liked to watch was Andrew McLeod but then when I got into my teenage years it was Cyril Rioli,” he said. He was my favourite player.

“The way he goes about his footy, the skills he has, watching him is just so exciting.

“It’s a bit different now that I play with him every week but still, when he puts on a show like he did against Richmond, it’s exciting to sit back and watch him out on the field.”