Tara Murray
New Williamstown captain Cameron Polson wants to continue the strong history of the Victorian Football League club, while creating his own.
Pulson was named the Seagulls new captain, replacing Adam Marcon, who has retired from VFL level.
“I’m extremely humbled and honoured to be captain of Williamstown,” Polson said.
“I know it is a massive deal for those who have been involved with the club for a long time.
“It’s my second year at the club now. I was surprised when I found out I was in the mix… leadership is something that comes fairly natural to me, I go out my way and tried to impart my wisdom on the young kids and make sure they feel comfortable. It was a player led decision, so it’s a bit of recognition there.”
Despite being just his second season at the club, Polson is quite aware of the history that surrounds the club.
He said those who have come before him have left the club in a really good position.
“That is one of the main things I feel really strongly about as leader of the club,” he said.
“I say this all the time to the younger guys, the culture has already been created.
“Willy has a really clear brand and identity so we’re not in a position where we have to sit down and do values meetings and forge a brand it is already there for us.
“We’re obliged to live the values and make sure the club stays the way it has been for quite a long time.”
After an interrupted last couple of seasons due to COVID-19, Polson said they were all keen to get back on the field.
The Seagulls will take in a slightly different line up, compared to the last couple of years.
“This year was the first pre-season we went back to prior to Christmas, we have had a really big block of training.
“I think everyone is ready for games now, preseason has been great. I’m quite confident about this year.
“I think the age profile is younger than what it has been in previous years and the young talent we have is really good.”
Corey Preston, Charlie Molan, Fraser Phillips, Finbar O’Dwyer, Jack Toner and Noah Gown are some of the young players Polson is excited to see on the field.
With a different group, Polson said how they play this season would be a bit different.
“The game style might look a bit more open like flowy,” he said. It’s important to me to keep the hard Willy edge and it’s something we’re talking about now.
“It’s good to have a game plan with high skill and high speed but Willy has been successful for such a long time as they play that physical game well.
The Seagulls will kick off their season on Sunday against North Melbourne.
Polson hasn’t shied away from the club’s expectations.
“I think the club has played finals for the last 10 seasons or so,” he said.
“At the VFL season launch… they asked me the same question, I don’t feel uncomfortable saying that we want to play finals, there’s nothing wrong with putting that on the agenda.”
