21/11/2023
We are pleased to announce that Darby Hipwell has re-signed for the 2024 Smithy's VFL season.
Hipwell vs Essendon Round 2 2023
We welcome back Darby Hipwell for what will be his third season on the VFL list at the Zebs. Hipwell played a handful of games with the Zebs as a Sandringham Dragon in 2021 before officially joining our VFL list in 2022, and was awarded the 2022 Ray Patmore Trophy as the Best First Year Player.
Our 2023 Neil Bencraft Best and Fairest winner, Hipwell had yet another great season, averaging 19.5 disposals and 4.2 tackles.
"His ability to work to each contest is what sets him apart at the club and his strengths to accumulate the ball and then executing with smart decisions are elements of what makes Hipwell an integral player," says Head Coach, Jake Batchelor.
As a talented 21 year old midfielder, Hipwell believes that playing in the yellow, black and blue opens up the opportunity to still get looked at for the top league.
“The coaches are making it an awesome place and a lot of us are still keen to achieve that AFL goal so they’re really putting all the steps and effort in to help us get there and at the same time making it a fun environment...I think we’re creating a really inclusive group and a group that’s driven to succeed. There’s a lot of young players and everyone’s keen to get the best out of themselves", says Hipwell.
With yet another exciting and promising year, we look forward to seeing Hipwell continue to impress in 2024.
Written by Nick Collins - Sandringham Football Club Media