Tara Murray
After spending much of his first season as Williamstown captain on the side lines, Cameron Polson is hoping for a much better 2023.
Polson hurt his quad in round one, before a hamstring injury in his return game required surgery.
While he returned late in the season, the Seagulls were already out of finals contention finding themselves in the unusual position of second bottom.
Polson is positive as he looks to his second season in charge.
“I hope I don’t have a repeat of last year,” he said. “It was a really tough year as captain. I’m more of a lead by example person and there were a few things I wanted to change by leading with my actions.
“I had to do a lot of talking which I didn’t love. I’m rapt to be voted in again. I wanted to go through the vote again and we have a new group and it’s good to be put back in with some really good support around me.”
Signs in the pre-season indicate a better 2023 for the Seagull. The club has added several new signings, led by Oscar McDonald, Ben Jolley and Marty Hore.
Polson said the return of Jolley and Jason Pongracic had been really good from a leadership point of view.
“Fingers crossed we should be a bit better with a few more older guys,” he said. “There’s more depth at the club.
“Jason had come back as has Jolley. Their presence around the group.
“They [the older guys] did a good job on passing on the Williamstown way in my first year, but it might have gotten a bit lost last year.
“It’s really good to know what to do and having these guys around the club helps.”
With several new players in the squad, Polson said there was plenty of guys he was excited to see.
He had played school football with Jack Toner. Toby Triffett has come down from Brisbane. Connor Weightman is another while Harry Jones and Mat Walker, who came across from North Melbourne are another two he’s excited to see,
But it’s a familiar face that Polson is excited to see the most.
“Nick Ebinger is back,” he said. “That’s a big one for us. He’s the one I’m most excited about.”
Polson said they have no doubt that they will be a better side this season. The season kicks off on March 24.
The club faced Northern Bullants in a practice match on Saturday, fielding a strong side.
“Williamstown VFL teams are normally filled with guys in the 23 to 27 age bracket.
“We didn’t have that last year, the landscape has changed back.”
