By Lauren Wood, Williamstown Media
With just five weeks remaining until Round 1, our VFL side is ramping up preparations for the 2025 season.
For the first time this year, Williamstown Media sat down with Senior VFL Coach Justin Plapp to discuss the club’s progress, including coaching staff integration, player retention, recruitment, and leadership development.
Plapp spoke highly of the newly assembled coaching team, emphasising their experience and the fresh energy they have brought to the club.
“Our new coaches have embraced what Williamstown is about and what I need from them. They’ve brought experience in senior footy and player development, which is already having a strong impact,” Plapp said.
Key additions to the coaching staff include Danny Ryan, who has a creative mindset and a highly detailed approach to the game, Mark Greenshields, who is known for his composure and organisation, and Paul Vines, a high-level coach with a harder edge.
“Danny is particularly big on education. He’s got the players consistently note taking and his presentations are really detailed. That level of preparation is a big asset,” Plapp added.
Williamstown has retained over 90% of its 2024 playing list, a rare feat that Plapp sees as a key advantage.
“In my five years here, this is the most talented and consistent group we’ve had,” he said.
The club experienced minimal departures, with the only unexpected loss being key forward Corey Ellison, who left for personal reasons.
However, the club has responded by bringing in recruits such as forward Lachlan Gollant and utility player Carter Michael who have both been on AFL lists.
“We feel that Gollant will be a really good addition and might actually suit our style of play more than Corey did and Carter Michael has that scintillating left foot and can play multiple positions, which will be a real asset,” Plapp explained.
Williamstown is also investing in its younger talent, with Damon Hollow emerging as a standout from the development program.
“Damon has come straight out of TAC Cup and had a really strong pre-season. I’d expect him to feature early in the season,” Plapp said.
The development group is overseen by Mark Smyth, who has built strong relationships with the club’s younger players.
“Smythie loves these kids like his own sons. They love his banter and energy, and we’re lucky to have him,” Plapp added.
The club’s leadership group remains strong, with Cameron Polson and Finn O’Dwyer continuing to play key roles. Emerging leaders like Aiden Bonar and Brodie McLaughlin have also stepped up.
“Bonar is a strong on-field leader who is really demanding in terms of standards. McLaughlin has come out of his shell this pre-season and has driven our training intensity,” Plapp noted.
Plapp also highlighted a positive shift in the club’s overall energy and atmosphere.
“With new coaches coming in, it’s injected enthusiasm and a fresh dynamic. The players have embraced it, and it feels like we’ve turned a corner,” he said.
Looking ahead, the club’s upcoming season launch and meet-and-greet event at our pub sponsor the Stags Head Hotel, will play an important role in strengthening player and supporter connections.
“We don’t do a lot of these events, so it’s a great opportunity for our players to engage with the club and community. We’re really going to push it and make sure the players feel valued,” Plapp said.
With the season fast approaching, excitement is building within the Williamstown community. Stay tuned for further updates as Williamstown prepares for the 2025 VFL season.
