Prized AFL Fremantle recruit Bradley Hill has revealed he had almost been forced to pull out of last week's practice match against West Coast after suffering an allergic reaction to an ice bath.
Hill, who has a history of reacting to the cold, swelled up and became red and itchy after forgetting to take an allergy tablet just before stepping into the bath.
The 23-year-old also suffered the reaction several times during his stint at Hawthorn, so he wasn't overly worried when it happened again.
"I normally take a Telfast tablet, which is like an antihistamine, because I just have a bit of a reaction to cold temperatures," Hill told reporters on Tuesday.
"I jumped in an ice bath before the game and blew up a little bit. I get a bit swollen, red and itchy.
"Then I just got a bit fatigued and didn't feel too great. But I've had it a fair few times so I'm not worried about it."
Hill booted two goals from 10 disposals in the 55-point loss in sweltering heat.
The speedy wingman refused to blame the allergic reaction for his quiet display, saying he simply didn't have his best day.
Hill played 95 games and won three premierships during his five-year stint at Hawthorn.
And in a twist of fate, Hill played for the Dockers in the same match that his former Hawks teammate Sam Mitchell also made his debut for West Coast.
Hill and Mitchell clashed in the final term, and Hill made the most of the encounter.
"I tackled him to the ground and then I rubbed his head into the floor a little bit," Hill said.
"And then he grabbed hold of my leg so I couldn't run and he said: 'don't move'.
"I said to him before the game: 'you're not allowed to tackle me, and I'm not allowed to tackle you'.
"He just gave me a little hug and that was it really."
The Dockers will be back in action on Saturday when they host Collingwood at Rushton Park.
