Fremantle defender Joel Hamling and his partner Lily Pittard have welcomed their first child into the world.
The couple named their little boy Henry James Hamling and posted an adorable photo online on Saturday afternoon.
The post was flooded with comments of congratulations to the happy couple, who announced they were expecting in March.
“Congratulations brother ❤️,” wrote St Kilda player Bradley Hill.
“Congratulations my guy!” said Western Bulldogs player Hayden Crozier.
Pittard recently hosted an intimate baby shower ahead of her anticipated due date, where she donned a baby blue dress to signal her first child’s gender.
The AFL star sadly lost his father last December, and posted a touching tribute to Instagram at the time.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure Dad. I’m forever grateful for everything you have done for me,” he wrote.
“I’ll never ever forget what kind of bond we had. I bloody f*****g love you, mate. Until we meet again. RIP.”
Pittard also paid tribute to Hamling’s father. In her own post, she wrote: “I will always cherish the memories with you and the friendship you gave to Joel. Thank you for everything.”
After growing up in Broome, Hamling became the No.32 pick in the 2011 national draft.
He won a premiership with the Bulldogs in 2016 before being traded to the Dockers.
His recent seasons have been cruelled by injuries.
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