Some Peter Jackson VFL players take their football quite seriously, and rightfully so – they compete with and against the state’s best talent each week.
But as Williamstown premiership midfielder Willie Wheeler prepares to play his 100th senior VFL game against Essendon at Windy Hill this Sunday, it’s his relaxed mindset that has him producing some of the best football of his career.
When Wheeler, 24, first came from his home town of Avenel to live in Melbourne, he was still chasing the dream of most under-age footballers.
Despite tying with current North Melbourne defender Shaun Atley for the 2010 Murray Bushrangers best-and-fairest award, Wheeler missed out on being drafted onto an AFL list. He signed with Coburg in 2011 to push his case to recruiters on the VFL stage.
But after 33 senior games and a 2012 season in which he was named the Lions’ club champion, Wheeler crossed to Williamstown in 2013 in the hopes of featuring in more games at the pointy end of the year. With the 2015 premiership having made that wish come true, the mindset of this self-described “pretty laid-back sort of character” has changed from those early years.
“The first three or four years in the VFL, I was sort of thinking about myself in a way – how I’m going to get recruiters’ eyes and get drafted,” Wheeler said. “But now it’s about how the team’s getting better and winning premierships.
“When you’re 20 years old, you can drown yourself in how your personal performances are going rather than the team’s.
“I didn’t really think I’d still be playing in the VFL at the age of 24; I’m a bit of a country kid and thought I could sort of see a bit of Australia and play elsewhere. But coming to Williamstown, I’ve stuck it out and enjoyed every minute, so I don’t see the point in leaving.”
Wheeler said increased maturity has him playing some of the most consistent football of his career to date. The tough on-baller is averaging almost 26 disposals per game in 2016, leads the competition for total contested possessions and clearances, and is ranked second for total inside-50s and score assists. He also represented the VFL in May’s state game against the SANFL.
Wheeler has also taken on an unfamiliar role as a leader at Burbank Oval.
“It doesn’t really come naturally to me, but I’m really enjoying learning off a few of the boys like (captain) Ben Jolley and (vice-captain) Cam Lockwood on what it takes to be a good leader and a good role model at VFL level,” Wheeler said.
“(Senior coach) Andrew Collins has included me in the leadership group. I think he respects the way I think about footy and that I can bring that onto the younger kids coming through, especially those from the country.
“I was a country kid who came down to Melbourne as so many 18/19/20-year-olds do and you can find it pretty hard. I’ve gone through that and come through the other side, so I think that’s something I can talk to the kids about – moving out of home and getting work.”
Wheeler said he could see himself eventually moving back to the country to run his own plumbing business and perhaps get involved in coaching at local level.
But for the time being, Williamstown would be “such a hard place to leave” – and with yet more team and individual accolades on the cards, Wheeler can probably afford to relax where he is for a little while longer.
* Photo: Martin Keep
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Last Modified on 10/08/2016 23:56