Young defender Ben Kennedy has signed with Williamstown after impressing in the Victorian Football League pre-season.
Kennedy played for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League and with Xavier College in the Associated Public Schools of Victoria competition and was awarded the school best and fairest in 2024.
He was also chosen to represent the Allies under-18 side at the 2024 National Championships.
Kennedy played all four matches in the competition and was recognised for his standout performance against Victoria Country as one of the Allies most valuable players.
He was seen as a draft prospect leading up to the draft but wasn’t picked up.
Seagulls coach Justin Plapp told the club website that Kennedy is a well-mannered and high-character.
“He is very strong one-on-one and reads the ball extremely well in the air,” Plapp said.
“Training alongside someone like Jake Greiser, who plays a similar role but with the experience and maturity that comes with years in the VFL system, will be a great learning opportunity for Ben.
“We’re confident he’ll develop well in our environment.”
Kennedy will be part of Williamstown’s academy squad, led by Mark Smyth.
He played in the first two practice matches of the season and was one of the few academy players included in the lineup for the most recent hit-out against Coburg.
Kennedy rounded out the signings for the Seagulls with full squads released by the VFL on Thursday.
Among those in the Seagulls squad is Point Cook’s Carter Michael, Sunbury Lions’ Harrison Minton-Connell, Deer Park’s Tom Mundy, Jack Noonan and Nick Ebinger, Williamstown CYMS’ Liam Conway, Keilor’s Nathan Colenso, Jovan Petric, Nathan Jenson Jack Brown, Darcy Weeks and Damon Hollow, Yarraville Seddon’s Zac Pritchard, Albion’s Heath Ollington, and Darley’s Lucas Impey.
