In the build-up to Sunday’s grand final, Scott Clouston was convinced it would be his last game in the VFL.
He officially entered retirement when he stepped onto the dais to receive his premiership medallion.
But after playing a key role in Williamstown’s premiership glory, Clouston is reconsidering his decision and will sit down once the celebrations are over and make a clearer assessment of his future.
“I might have to reconsider,” he told Star Weekly. “That’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever been a part of and to do it with the Williamstown guys and with such a history at the club is just fantastic. I’ll never forget it.”
Clouston was a powerhouse for the Seagulls on the biggest stage. The centre half-forward picked up 12 possessions from a game-high nine marks and had seven inside-50s.
The 28-year-old exuded confidence in everything he did, although that was not the case in the week leading up to the game.
Clouston had come off a disappointing preliminary final performance against Essendon when he managed just four touches and two marks. That was playing on his mind.
“I was really worried,” he admitted on Sunday. “I really just wanted to contribute. It’s one of those things; you’ve got to prove something to yourself and to your teammates.
“I pride myself on being a centre half-forward who presents and has the workrate and that’s one of the things I had to look at, to try to be a presence for the guys. I hope I did that today.”
Clouston did that and more and the one-time Brisbane Lions-listed player was a constant thorn in the side of Box Hill Hawks’ key defenders.
After all the stress of the day, Clouston allowed himself to let the victory soak in late in the game, with the Seagulls so far in front on the scoreboard.
“To win by that much and to win a VFL flag is unbelievable,” he said. “It was a surreal feeling to be that far in front.”
It was Clouston’s second year at Williamstown after crossing from rivals Werribee and as a relative newbie he took a moment to see what it meant for club stalwarts Ben Jolley, vice-captain Cameron Lockwood and defender Peter Faulks to win a flag after so many years of trying.
“I’m really happy for those three guys,” he said. “They’ve been a part of Williamstown for a long time.
“Ben is a consummate professional, a superstar of the VFL, and I’m so proud for him that he’s a VFL premiership player.”
