Strengths: At 199cm tall Hille is an ideal height for a ruckman and his agility ensures that he can match it with both medium sized and taller opposition ruckmen. Hille’s marking ability makes him a good target around the ground – he took the fourth most contested marks for the team in 2002. Hille needs to continue to work on his ruck work at stoppages to ensure the team is getting first usage of the ball.
Position: Hille has the opportunity to become the Bomber’s number one ruckman in 2003. He shared the ruck responsibilities with Paul Salmon and Steve Alessio last season and at stages rotated into the forward line. Hille improved his work at stoppages, but he still needs to focus on getting his hands to the football first. Hille proved he can also be used in a forward role, providing a tall marking option and can convert. He does need to work on his accuracy in front of goal, kicking 11 goals and 10 behinds in 2002.
2003: It is time for Hille to stamp his authority on the game and assume responsibility as the team’s number one ruckman. He has gained valuable senior rucking experience over the past two seasons and now he has to take the next step and become the Bomber’s premier ruckman. Hille can take confidence out of playing 19 games in 2002 and focus on getting himself into positions on the ground where he will have more influence on the game.
Kevin Sheedy says: David has really worked hard during the summer. He has put on six kilogramss in weight. He has had a couple of years good grounding and should have greater opportunities in the ruck this year. David was 40th draft choice the year Josh Fraser was first choice - we look forward to him developing into a player somewhere as good as Fraser. He has a big job working on the “art” and “positioning” of ruck work. We will see a big improvement in David’s game this year.
