Family the root of Hansen’s success

The Subiaco Football Club has been a family for emerging forward Robert Hansen Jr in more ways than one.

Away from his hometown of Kalgoorlie, the 18-year-old is happy to have found a second home with his teammates in maroon and gold.

Hansen told Subaicofc.com.au it’s been a special time being around the Colts in 2022.

“I just love the vibe there, all the boys get around each other,” he said.

“It’s like a big family really, I love being around them.

“Everyone’s on the same page and has the same goals and drive to win the Premiership.”

Hansen has been a find for Subiaco this season.

He’s been a constant presence around goal, kicking 21 for the season, and is coming off a career-best haul of five against South Fremantle in the semi-final.

The Mines Rovers product credited the Lions’ engine room, who got on top during the contest.

“When our midfield was on top, they got those entries in and gave us a chance,” Hansen said.

“We cut off their 45s and just got going forward really quickly to catch them on the rebound.

“I got to get on the end of a couple so that was good.”

Hansen’s pressure was evident on the day, as it has been all season.

His workrate to impact and tackle has been a standout, and has been something he’s worked on for a number of years.

The forward said he aims to play like Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli, and has taken some aspects from his game.

“He’s probably been the biggest inspiration,” Hansen said.

“I’ve tried to model my game around how he used to play, just the way he went about his pressure, attack, and effort.”

Family is important to Hansen, with his Mum, Dad, and four sisters all supporting him during his football journey, albeit from a different city.

While the family had moved to Perth previously, they returned to Kalgoorlie while Hansen stayed back to continue his studies.

He said they still maintain a close connection, where they come up to watch him play, and tune in online on the occasions they can’t make the journey.

Hansen is a second generation Lion, with his father playing football for the club in the late 1990s.

He said he’s glad to have earned the opportunity to wear the same colours.

“It feels good knowing he played for the club, and then growing up I’ve been given the same opportunity,” Hansen said.

“It makes me feel more involved and welcomed.”

When he’s not gracing the football field, he’s completing his studies, where he’s looking to get into Indigenous Health down the track.

However, he’s hoping to play football at the highest level, and is eyeing off a Colts Premiership with Subiaco this season.

The Lions take on Peel Thunder in the Preliminary Final on Sunday September 25 at New Choice Homes Park.

Hansen said it’s been a clear message heading into the match.

“We’ll look to play our brand of footy in the way we did on the weekend, and attack it with the same intensity and effort,” he said.

“I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m excited for it.

“We’ll play the way we play, and hopefully we can get the job done.”