New Faces at Williamstown F.C in 2006 In an attempt to return to VFL Finals action in 2006 Williamstown has spread it's recruiting net far and wide in the lead up to the 2006 season.
Ex-AFL Players Andrew Williams (West Coast Eagles and Collingwood), Steven Greene (Hawthorn) and Brett Johnson (Hawthorn and Carlton) have joined the Seagulls ranks.
Andrew Williams played in excess of 120 AFL games and was a member of Williamstown's 2003 VFL Premiership side and finished fourth in Williamstown's Best & Fairest count in 2005. Williams has signed with the Seagulls for 2 seasons.
Steven Greene played over 30 AFL games with the Hawks and won Box Hill's Best & Fairest award in 2005. Steve is a super fit footballer who will be able to play in a variety of roles for the Seagulls including on-ball, wing and half back.
Brett Johnson played in excess of 70 AFL games and in 7 VFL games for Northern Bullants in 2005 polled 13 Liston votes to finish behind the joint winners Paul Johnson and Ian Callinan by only 3 votes. Johnson should be one of the premier midfielders in 2006 and a key player for the Seagulls.
Steven Brewer has joined Williamstown after enjoying an excellent season with Springvale Scorpions in 2005 where he played 17 senior games as a running defender/winger. The 22 year old was unable to commit to Springvale's relocation to Cranbourne and we were keen to get Steve in Willi colours.
Williamstown's affiliate TAC Cup side Western Jets have provided Brant Dickson, Matthew Cravino and Brendan Tyquin to the Seagulls. 196cm Dickson was runner up in the 2005 Jets Best & Fairest, whilst rover Cravino and Ruckmen/Key position Tyquin were solid players at TAC Cup level.
Teaukura Paiti 'TK' joins Williamstown from the Calder Cannons where he was a developing key defender who continued to improve throughout the 2005 TAC Cup season.
The local Western Region Football League provides three new players to the club-
Ben Foley (Sunshine Kangaroos) Nathan Graham (Spotswood) and Michael Kennedy (Western Magpies). Foley a dual Best & Fairest winner with Sunshine and is regarded as being amongst the best 6 players in the WRFL whilst Graham showed tremendous potential as a winger with the Woodsmen in 2005. Kennedy is a young athletic tall who has only played football for a couple of years.
From Queensland Nick joss (Mt Gravatt) and Alex Mitchell (Morningside) join the Seagulls in 2006. Joss a utility player has represented Queensland at junior level and played 17 senior games in the AFLQ in 2005. Mitchell is the son of Olympic Silver Medallist Rick and is a tall athletic player who has only played for 3 years.
From Amateur club Mazenod Byron Bonner joins Willi after completing pre season with Collingwood. The tall forward is a promising young player who should develop at this higher level. Michael Darvell who captained Xavier College in football and cricket in 2005 in the APS competition joins Willi as a promising midfielder. Matthew Graham who played with the Murray Bushrangers before requiring a knee reconstruction and resuming with the Wangaratta Rovers has moved to Melbourne and will play with Willi in 2006. Adam Cook's brother Todd joins Willi after playing with North Ballarat and Sebastopol in recent years.
Ricky Watts who played with Williamstown in 2004 and then returned to Gisborne to be part of their 2005 Premiership Side returns to Willy again for the 2006 Season. Robert Weir who played with Diamond Valley Football League side Northcote Park in 2005 has won a spot on our 2006 list after an impressive pre-season.
Players Returning in 2006 The Williamstown Football Club is pleased to announce the retention of a number of players who contemplated leaving over the summer months. 2005 Fothergill-Round Medallist Jackson Barling who was pursued by SANFL club West Adelaide decided to reject their offers and remain with the Seagulls. Jacko will be a key player in defence during 2006.
Heath Lawry who had his best season in 2005 as a mobile Ruckman/Key Forward signed on again last week. Increased work commitments threatened to interrupt his VFL career but both club and player were able to compromise. Lawry should be ready to blossom into a consistent top liner in 2006.
3 time Gerry Callahan Medallist Brad Lloyd has been re-appointed Williamstown Captain in 2006. 2005 Gerry Callahan Medallist Jeremy Dukes has been re-contracted for 2006 but is currently overseas and has not given a definite date for his return.
16 members of Williamstown's Reserves Premiership side have been re-contracted and there are high hopes that a number of these players can continue their development and become regular senior footballers.
Departures Sam Cranage (Balwyn)
Luke Jarrad (Woodville West Torrens SANFL)
Craig Smoker (West Perth)
Scott Ralph (Morningside AFLQ)
Paul Shelton (Coburg- Pending Clearance)
Christin Macri (Ganmain Grong Grong Matong)
Brendon Hollow (Doutta Stars)
Kurt Gowers (Wodonga Raiders)
Chris Goullet (St Bernards)
Dean Benson (Blackburn)
Troy Coates (Kerang)
Zac Strevens (Aberfeldie)
Ricky Palmer (Oak Park)
Richard Handreck (Donvale)
Nick McArdle (Overseas)
Tom O'Dwyer (Newtown)
Last Modified on 14/05/2009 13:54