WHAT goes into the AFL must come out. Every time a draftee hears his name called out, it spells the end for a player already in the system.
The AFL’s ecosystem allows for re-entry, but most times it means a return to state league level football and having to impress all over again.
Williamstown has become a popular landing spot for players post-AFL, and it’s no surprise why.
Recently, the club had two players, Brett Goodes and Jack Frost, land on an AFL lists.
It takes a strong-minded individual to return to the VFL after playing in the professional ranks to give it another shot at returning to the big league.
Brent Prismall, a western suburbs lad who endured a raft of long-term arm and leg injuries at Geelong and Essendon, wants to do just that with the Seagulls.
Seagulls football manager Chris Dixon was so thrilled to have Prismall on board that he went to Morris Street in the middle of his holidays to get the papers signed.
“He’s a very good footballer and an extremely good character, so it’s a massive addition to the group,” Dixon said. “When we first sat with Brent, he indicated he saw Williamstown as the best option for him regardless of whether he got the [player wellbeing co-ordinator] role at the Western Bulldogs or not, which was encouraging for us.
“Brent spoke to a couple of our past players, who spoke highly of our environment, and as a Western Jets junior it’s great for him to return to his aligned VFL club.
“It’s going to be a great fit for him working with the Western Bulldogs and playing at Williamstown and we’re very excited about what he can provide on and off the field.”
Meanwhile, the VFL has released its 2013 draw.
The Seagulls will open the season with their annual clash with the Geelong Cats at Spring Creek Reserve, Torquay, on March 31.
They host their first home game against the Coburg Tigers a fortnight later, on April 13.
The VFL has controversially opted for just one big-drawing western derby between the Seagulls and Werribee, at Burbank Oval on a ‘Super Sunday’ in round three.
