Ashley Sampi

Recruited by the Eagles at number six in the rich 2001 AFL National Draft, Sampi debuted against Geelong in round 14 of the 2002 season. In his debut season, Sampi played four games, including a final. Playing as a small forward, Sampi's AFL career was inconsistent; despite being a regular part of the side though the 2003 to 2005 seasons, he did not reach the heights that were expected of him given his original high selection.

The high point of Sampi's career was his AFL Mark of the Year in 2004 against Melbourne. Sampi was also selected in the Eagles' 2005 losing Grand Final team, but took a major step backward in the 2006 season, losing his regular spot in the team, and only managing twelve games though poor form, and not playing in the Eagle's victorious 2006 AFL Grand Final team.

Sampi's form seems to have often been related to weight issues. During the 2007 pre-season, Sampi was at times required to train separately from the rest of the club to deal with his weight issues; however, they seemed to come back under control, and he was reinstated to the main training list. Despite this, he failed to be selected for a single game throughout 2007, and he was delisted at the end of the season. Despite training with Melbourne in late 2007, he was not recruited by the Demons, with a lack of fitness being cited as the main reason. He played for Port Fairy in 2008.

Sampi was locked in a paternity battle with his ex-girlfriend Christina Taylor. She claims that her daughter (born 27 December 2006), was the result of a planned pregnancy with Sampi. However, Sampi refused to sign the birth certificate or visit the child until it is proven that she is his daughter.[1]

During 2006, Sampi allegedly threatened his girlfriend and her sister with a knife.[2]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ashley Sampi.

• "West Coast Profile – Ashley Sampi". Archived from the original on 21 June 2004.
• Ashley Sampi's playing statistics from AFL Tables
• WAFL statistics