By Mietta Williams, Williamstown Media
Hugo and Joel’s selection is a proud moment for the Club and further reinforces Williamstown’s reputation as one of the premier pathways to AFL through the VFL competition.
Founded in 1864, Williamstown Football Club has a long and proud history of developing football talent, with generations of players progressing from the Seagulls to the AFL system.
The Club’s VFL program is designed to provide aspiring AFL footballers with an elite high-performance environment, strong coaching and professional standards led by senior coach, Justin Plapp, and the opportunity to perform consistently at state league level against some of the country’s best talent.
Williamstown Football Club CEO Paul Northey said the Club could not be prouder to see Hugo amd Joel achieve their AFL dreams.
“To see Hugo and Joel drafted to the Adelaide Crows and Melbourne is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Williamstown,” Northey said.
“Our football program, is built to compete and bring the club success but also to prepare players for the next level, and moments like this are a reflection of the strength of that pathway.”
The Club has also seen a number of players progress to AFL level across recent decades, including Liam Picken, Dane Rampe, Kane Lambert, Lachie Schultz and Michael Gibbons among many others.
Williamstown’s most recent AFL draftee was Charlie Dean, whose standout 2021 VFL season saw him claim the prestigious Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the competition’s best Under-23 player.
Dean’s performances with the Seagulls earned him an AFL opportunity before making his AFL debut in Opening Round of 2024 and going on to play eight senior games at AFL level.
The Club believes Hugo and Joel are strong examples of the opportunities available through Williamstown’s VFL program and looks forward to following the next chapter of their football journey.
“Everyone at Williamstown wishes Hugo and Joel all the very best at Adelaide and Melbourne” Northey said.
“They will always be part of the Seagulls family, and we cannot wait to see what they achieve at AFL level.”
