At 38, the one-time Adelaide Crows forward boasts extensive experience, from the elite level to the South Australian National Football League, the Northern Territory, and country footy leagues in SA.

Not to mention a season at Coolamon in 2015 where he averaged five goals a match. 

“I love the game, that’s for sure,” Ladhams told The Daily Advertiser.

“I’m at the age where you’re going to be a long time retired so you try to play as many games as you can before you finish.

“I’m very excited to keep playing and the body’s holding up pretty well so I’ll continue to keep putting on the boots.

“I’m 38 years young but I’m very, very excited.”

Ladhams played 54 AFL games with the Crows and was North Adelaide best and fairest in 2004. He signed with EWK last month, likes what he’s heard of the Hawks and said he’s keen to play a part in the club improving in all grades.

His passion isn’t purely for playing. After a season in charge at Naracoorte, he’s looking forward to being under instruction again and believes Matt Hard, who also had him at Coolamon, is ideal.

“I’m into development and helping clubs and their junior players get to a higher level,” he said.

“Matty’s a pretty good development coach. At my age, you’re still learning and developing, in coaching and playing. So that was one bit of it.

“And I think they’ve got a pretty good side there that could take the next step, it’s just a matter of having a bit more experience.”

Ladhams was kept to 10 games last year, after splitting his kidney in a game.

“It was one of those accidents that can happen on the footy field. I missed about six games,” he said.

Before going to coach Naracoorte he won a flag in the Adelaide Hills in 2017 with Nairne Bremer.

Ladhams had kicked 104 goals heading into the grand final. He bagged 10 more in a massive performance on the big day to make sure the club ended a 28-year drought.

The Hawks will be hoping that’s what he can bring to Gumly in 2019.

“It wasn’t just that day, the whole year I had was pretty special. We had a good midfield too but I had one of those years where everything was just right. It probably was my most consistent year as a country footballer,” he said.

“And to get a grand final for that footy club, and to make a lot of people very happy, it was great.”

EWK broke their premiership drought in 2016 but won’t be complaining if Ladhams can help them back to the top in 2019. 

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