Much-loved Hawk Massimo D'Ambrosio is set to line up for his 50th game on Thursday night when Hawthorn takes on Gold Coast to open Sir Doug Nicholls Round at TIO Stadium, Darwin.
Initially recruited by Essendon in the 2022 mid-season draft and playing 16 games for the Bombers, the 21-year-old crossed to the Hawks ahead of the 2024 season and has taken his game to the next level.
Since joining the brown and gold, the classy winger has only missed one match through management, highlighting his consistency and strong form.
In just his first season with the club, D'Ambrosio earned his first All Australian squad call-up after averaging 21.1. disposals, 76.7 per cent disposal efficiency, 6.5 contested possessions, five marks and 4.5 score involvements.
He is trending towards another solid season in 2025, averaging 18.9 disposals, 5.1 marks and five score involvements from his nine games so far this season.
Check out highlights from your Round 24 MVP, Massimo D'Ambrosio
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 26, 2024
With a massive 31 Disposals and 2 goals, not bad for a wingman 🍿🤩 pic.twitter.com/YtkffguY2y
Originally hailing from Point Cook and missing out on getting drafted to the AFL as an 18-year-old, D'Ambrosio spoke to SEN Afternoons about the privilege of playing 50 games in the league.
"I'm just super grateful to be on this journey and to play 50 games," he said.
"It's obviously been a dream and I can't wait to run out.
"There's definitely been some ups and definitely some downs but I'm really grateful to play 50 games.
"It's something I could've only dreamt of before coming into the system.
"I'm really grateful to be at Hawthorn and can't wait to run out."
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MASSIMO D'AMBROSIO ON SEN AFTERNOONS
