Liam Griffiths did not want to lob at the door step of any old VFL club for the sake of continuing his promising football career.
Griffiths delved a little deeper to find the right fit – and Williamstown ticked all the boxes.
The 20-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play in a premiership and linking up with the defending VFL premier gives him the best opportunity to do that.
“You play footy to win premierships and that’s 100 per cent the way I think,” Griffiths said. “The success they’ve had, winning a premiership last year, was a big part of it.”
Griffiths is an intriguing proposition for the Williamstown coaching staff. The versatile defender was identified a hot prospect from a young age and was part of the AIS/AFL Academy and the GWS Giants Academy.
The Canberran got to travel with the best footballers in the nation at his age level and tour Europe and New Zealand.
“I got to experience a bit of travel and play footy in Europe and New Zealand and coming up and playing with top-end talent,” Griffiths said.
“I was also fortunate enough to train with the Giants for a week and pretty much lived the life of a footy player, which was an eye opener.
“Training was full on, there were 6.30 starts of a morning and you’re out by 4pm … it’s non-stop training and hard work during that time.”
Griffiths was tipped to be drafted – but come draft night, his name was not read out.
For such a highly touted player, it was a massive setback, but he did not let it dampen his love for the game. He played three years in the NEAFL competition, firstly with the Giants reserves and then with his home club, Ainslie, but he needed a fresh start.
The move to Melbourne will allow him to start a university course in property next year and continue to play football at the highest level outside the AFL system. A good season just might thrust his name back in front of the recruiters.
“The desire to make it to the highest level is still there and I can’t deny that,” Griffiths said.
“I would say the majority of Williamstown players would think like that.”
Like all state league footballers, Griffiths is a semi-professional, meaning long hours at work during the day are followed by hard training at night.
He is currently working as a concreter, which can take its toll on his body at times.
“It’s very labour intensive and I do enjoy it, but it can be tough on the body,” he said.
Griffiths had an impressive pre-season with Williamstown, but has been in and out of the senior side in the first month of the season.
The West Footscray resident has enjoyed his short time with the club and speaks highly of its values and history.
He is impressed with the standard of football played in the VFL, rating it as better than that of the NEAFL.
“The one thing for me that really stuck out was the culture and that was something that was evident when I got to the club,” Griffiths said.
“VFL is of a higher standard – it’s more physical, quite a fair bit quicker and the skills are better as well.
“One thing that really stuck out is the talent and depth across the whole list of all VFL teams is really strong.”
“I’ve been playing in the backline and I’m really enjoying it there.”
