SOAR - Fourth Edition

The year 2001 marked the start of the JPC chapter in Shaun Hampson’s life. The College quickly recognised his passion for sports and provided the foundation for his sporting aspirations. He flourished in the leadership roles of College Prefect and Gilmour House Captain, AFL and athletics, and won the Friends of Australian Rules trophy for Player of the Year in Senior School in recognition of his performance. Shaun’s most valued memories of JPC are centred around the people he encountered. This recurring theme of valuing relationships would continue to shape his outlook on life beyond the College environment. Shaun is grateful for the guidance he received from one of his teachers, Rebecca Gallagher (née Peall), a supportive figure throughout his journey, with whom he remains in contact to this day. Shaun’s choices following graduation led him to a remarkable 12 year professional football career in AFL. In the 2006 AFL Draft, Shaun was selected by the Carlton Football Club with the 17th overall pick. He made his AFL debut for Carlton in 2007 and went on to play 63 games for the club over six seasons before being traded to the Richmond Football Club in 2013. In 2018, Shaun announced his retirement from professional football due to ongoing injury concerns. He played a total of 98 AFL games throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he represented. Beyond the football field, Shaun’s resilience and determination were tested when he participated in two seasons of the popular television show, Australian Survivor. “You push your mind and body extremely far during the show. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life,” he says, grateful for the opportunity to have taken part. On top of his sporting and television achievements, Shaun found fulfilment as the owner of Ascot Food and Wine, a highly regarded restaurant that was ranked among the top 100 in Victoria by Order Mate and Delicious. In addition, Shaun owns a delightful short-stay rental in the picturesque town of Daylesford, Victoria. These ventures have enabled him to create memorable experiences for his valued patrons, leaving a lasting impression on their journeys. The motivation behind Shaun’s choices runs deep, inspired by the memory of his late father who tragically lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2014. This significant personal experience fuelled Shaun’s drive to make a further difference in the lives of others by raising awareness for men’s health. He takes immense pride in his fundraising efforts, including his incredible feat of running 60km in just seven hours, which raised an impressive $17,000 for men’s health initiatives. Shaun finds inspiration from many sources, including the work of Hugh van Cuylenburg at The Resilience Project and the wisdom shared by people in the space of leadership and mindfulness, such as Emma Murray and Shane McCurry. He is always open to new opportunities and has a fluid approach to his career. Each time he sets foot into uncharted territories, Shaun embraces the future, ready to make his mark in whatever path he chooses to pursue. Class of 2005 Retired Australian Football League (AFL) Player, Two Times Contestant on Australian Survivor, Owner of Ascot Food and Wine PAGE 19 Shaun Hampson