Sam Grimley Biography

New bomber Sam Grimley envisions playing mostly up forward after he was announced as the club's eighth top-up player.

"I’ve played the last three seasons up forward with a little bit of pinch-hitting in the ruck. In saying that, I’ll be happy to play anywhere," Grimley said.

Grimley said he was feeling fresh and he hoped to play in Essendon’s first NAB Challenge game.

"The body feels good. I had a little bit more time off than usual, obviously not starting the pre-season until January," he said.

"It was good for my preparation I thought, it kind of cleared the mind and I had a fresh start.

"It has been a bit of a whirlwind two weeks, but I’m fresh and ready to go."

Sam Grimley joins Essendon as its eight top-up player.

"Sam is a proven goalkicker at VFL level and with his size and athleticism he has the attributes to fill a variety of roles," Essendon football manager Rob Kerr said.

"We hope he will provide support to our forward line and contribute to the team’s depth and strength this season."

Essendon is considering delisted former Hawk Sam Grimley as a potential top-up player, with the 25-year-old training with the Bombers.

Grimley, who played three games with Hawthorn over three seasons before being delisted at the end of last season, had signed a contract to play with Subiaco in the WAFL in 2016.

However he has made the trip east to train with the Bombers as they try to finalise their top-up players for 2016.

Subiaco has been told that the Bombers are likely to make a decision on whether to sign the big man by early next week, and will not have any objection to him joining Essendon if the chance arises.

Grimley has been joint winner of the VFL's Frosty Miller Medal as leading goalkicker over the past two seasons, kicking 46 goals in 2015 and 45 goals in 2014.

Dumped Hawthorn forward Sam Grimley could be thrown an AFL lifeline after being delisted by the three-time reigning premier.

The 199cm big man, who is on holiday in Bali, is determined to continue his career at the elite level and is understood to have attracted interest from two clubs since he was cut by the Hawks.

Grimley has been a joint winner of the VFL's Frosty Miller Medal as the state league's leading goalkicker over the past two seasons, booting 46 goals this year after slotting 45 in 2014.

Hawthorn delists rookies Sam Grimley and Jared Hardisty.

The Hawks delist Sam Grimley but have committed to re-drafting him as a rookie.

"We have made the decision to delist Sam in full consultation with the player and his management," Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.

"This strategy allows us to have three selections in the upcoming national draft.

"We are committed to reselect Sam in the rookie draft, if he is not selected by another team prior to that."

After transitioning to football from a basketball background, Sam Grimley only needed 90 seconds to kick a goal with his first kick in the AFL against Gold Coast.

"It was the best feeling I've ever had. I'll remember that for the rest of my life," Grimley said about his first kick and goal.

"When I first got to the club I really didn't know much about footy at all. I'd played it a little bit, but I didn't know much about it.

"I've come a long way in just learning the different aspects of the game, such as where to run as a forward."

Sam Grimley makes his AFL debut for Hawthorn at the MCG with 14 disposals (7 kicks and 7 handballs), 7 marks, 2 tackles, 11 hitouts and a goal in a 26-point win over Gold Coast.