January 2008 NEW SIGNINGS FOR SEASON 2008 Williamstown Football Club The Williamstown Football Club is pleased to announce the following new players P.O Box 307 have signed on for the club for season 2008. Williamstown 3016 The club was delighted to sign up 25 year old Jason Cloke to a two year contract. Ph: (03) 9390-0611 Jason who played 76 games with Collingwood between 2001 and 2006 and also Fax: (03) 9390-0644 played 45 games with Williamstown during this period. Jason played for Bendigo E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Bombers in 2007 and was runner up in their Best & Fairest and represented the VFL in their crushing victory over Western Australia. Jason resides in Yarraville and was happy to commit to Williamstown for a two year period and is keen to be a driving force in our club's push for success in 2008. Jason will wear his favourite No.34 for Williamstown. Jason Cloke The highly respected and regarded Ben Jolley has signed with Williamstown. Ben was Captain of the Calder Cannons Premiership side in 2004 and also Captained the Victorian Metropolitan U/18 side that season. In 2005 Ben was on the Essendon Rookie List and played 4 AFL games. In 2006 and 2007 Ben played with the Bendigo Bombers and won their Best & Fairest in 2006 and finished fifth in 2007. The talented 21 year old midfielder has played 52 senior VFL games.

3 3 Dean Galea and Jackson Barling have both re-joined Williamstown after a season at West Ben Jolley Adelaide. The 22 year old Galea kicked 30 goals in 15 senior games and 22 goals in 5 reserves games in 2007 and should be an important component in the Seagulls forward line this season. The 21 year old Barling finished third in West Adelaide's Best and Fairest after a consistent season at Full Back and Centre Half Back. Both players played for Williamstown in 2005 and 2006 and it is great to have them back in Blue and Gold.

Williamstown added another piece to its Jackson Barling

forward line for 2008 with the signing of former Hawthorn player Matthew Little. Matthew Little was drafted to Hawthorn in the 2004 National Draft at pick 26 after showing much promise as a Full Forward for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup. He was a dominant goalkicker at Matt Little TAC Cup level in 2004 and followed this form to VFL level last year where he was leading goal kicker for Box Hill, LL C C LU LU B B LL C C LU LU B B kicking 35 goals in 17 games. Matthew played 1 game of AFL in his time at Hawthorn. Williamstown has also acquired the services of 23 year old Callum Urch. Callum is a local western suburbs player who graduated through Spotswood Football Club to the Western Jets where he was selected at pick 25 in the 2002 National Draft by the Kangaroos. After playing 8 AFL games in his 5 years at the Kangaroos after battling a series of hamstring injuries. Callum is now confident that he has finally got his body right and understands how to maintain his body and hopes to re-launch his career with the Seagulls. Through the Kangaroos alignment with both Port and North

491954 19551956 19581959 1969 1976 19861990 200 Ballarat, Callum has played 64 senior VFL games and kicked 51 goals. Callum is a versatile player who can play up forward or down back, on a wing or can play through the Callum Urch midfield. The strong connection between Williamstown and the Western Jets continues with 6 Graduates from 2007 signing with Williamstown. All 6 players were key members of the Western Jets side that had its most successful season for 10 years. Luke Cartelli (19 games), Nathan Black (16 games), Ashley Jones (16 games), Jacob Graham (18 games), Daniel Jensen (14 games) and Finlay Adamson have all signed to play with Williamstown in 2008.

Williamstown has also signed Matthew Long from the Calder Cannons. Matthew had an excellent 2006 season for the Cannons and was a member of their losing Grand Final side to the Oakleigh Chargers in TAC Cup Grand Final. Josh Young also joins the Seagulls after playing with Old Paradians in the VAFA in 2007. Josh is a left footed midfielder who won Old Paradians Senior Best and Fairest last season after previously playing williamstown.aflvic.com.au williamstown.aflvic.com.au with the Calder Cannons.

WILLIAMSTOWNWILLIAMSTOWN FOOTBALFOOTBAL WILLIAMSTOWNWILLIAMSTOWN FOOTBALFOOTBAL Williamstown is also proud to announce the re-signing of the majority of the list from 2007. Key Senior players Brett Johnson, Steven Greene, Scott Meyer, Liam Picken, Patrick Rose, James Beaumont and Kane McKenzie have all re-signed with the Seagulls for 2008.

Williamstown is saddened to announce that Andrew “Hottie’ Williams has decided to play local football in 2008 due to family commitments. We thank ‘Hottie’ for his loyal service for the club over the past few years and wish him the best of luck for the future. Dean Limbach and Clinton Proctor have both signed with Frankston.

The Word From Williamstown—JANUARY 2008 2008 Williamstown—JANUARY From Word The Matthew Miller, Ryan Crawford, Michael Darvell, Ben Foley, Byron Bonner, Joe Hedditch, Brad Kairouz, Michael Kennedy, Kane Magahamez, Calvin Philp, Nick Seagulls Captain Roberts and Robert Weir deciding to leave the club and play elsewhere in 2008. ESTABLISHED 1864 PREMIERS1907 19211939 1945 19 Brett Johnson

Coaches Corner with Brad Gotch

Well Brad a lot has happened since the end of 2007. How difficult was it for you to leave Collingwood after being there since 1999? Naturally when you spend 8 years at a place it is going to be a little difficult to leave but the Magpies couldn’t offer me a position like I was offered by Williamstown and the which made it an easier decision. 2008 will be your seventh season as coach of Williamstown which places you only behind Gerry Callahan as the longest serving coach of the club. How significant is this and you must enjoy coaching Williamstown? It is a great honour for me to be behind only Gerry Callahan because of what he achieved in his time as player and coach which is legendary. I do have a great fondness and passion for the Williamstown Football Club because of the people that run the place and the supporters who go each week who are outstanding people who love their football. How have your first two months been in your new role of Development Manager at the Bulldogs and what can Williamstown Supporters expect to see amongst the young Bulldog players? Brad Gotch I have been very busy getting to know everybody especially starting the Development process with all the Bulldogs Academy players which total 19. It is very exciting because the Bulldogs players are very young and talented and are crying out for direction and opportunity with their footy and have a lot of upside to them from what I can see. At times selection issues were difficult in our alignment with Collingwood. How or will this be different in our new alignment with the Bulldogs? In our agreement with the Bulldogs we have the criteria of judge on merit in there which should make things a lot easier at the selection table although we cannot forget our duty to develop their young Bulldogs players either. At the end of the season both Anthony Eames and Bruce Davis decided not to continue in their roles after being together since 2002. How significant has their contribution been? Very sad to lose those 2 gentlemen at the same time because they are exceptional at what they do and had become very close friends of mine. They will be greatly missed but that gives opportunity to others to come in like Saade Ghazi and Andrew Gibson which should be good too. New staff appointments for 2008 include Saade Ghazi, Andrew Gibson, Luke Boyd and Vinny Turcinovich. How have they all fitted in so far? Saade’s experience and love of Williamstown is invaluable, Gibbo being Saade’s right hand man for years is also very handy, Luke Boyd doing our fitness will be great as he is a very smart individual who knows his business and Vinny has been a revelation so far with his commitment and work ethic. Recruiting seems to be very strong and another positive sign for members/supporters has been the high retention rate of players in 2008. What are your thoughts on the playing group? We have put the list together in the quickest amount of time since I started in 2002 because we kept two thirds of our list and they are all very excited in combining with the Bulldogs. The recruits we targeted all came together very quickly which means we have nearly finalised our list already. After consecutive losses in Preliminary Finals what does the team have to do to advance further in 2008? VFL plans to play the Grand Final on a Friday night under lights at the Telstra Dome on AFL Grand Final Eve must be an exciting prize for the two top clubs in 2008? We have recruited the likes of Jason Cloke, Ben Jolley, Matt Little, Callum Urch and get back Dean Galea, Jackson Barling and Steven Greene so we think our VFL list should be bit stronger and hopefully the Bulldogs boys will be keen to make their mark. To make the Grand Final and play Friday night on AFL Grand Final eve is a great incentive to make the last 2. Our first home game is against Collingwood on Saturday 5 th April. It should be an interesting game and a challenge you are looking forward to? It is just another game of footy we have to win and we should know a fair bit about the opposition we are playing. We have to remember that there will be no issues amongst the players as they were all mates playing together last season and it was just a commercial decision by their management to stand alone. I will prepare the players like I normally do and see what happens. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season and cant wait to face the challenges ahead. Go Seagulls!

Williamstown seeking new Major Sponsor Gulls Corner Williamstown Football Club are seeking a new Major Sponsor/Partner for 2008 and beyond. After 7 years as Major Sponsor, Smorgon Steel have been taken over by As we near the start of season 2008 Gulls membership fees are One Steel which is a Sydney based organisation and they are not interested in due. Once again we have been able to keep membership at $180 per double (members& spouse/partner) and $120 single. For sponsoring a Melbourne based sporting club. Smorgon Steel officials have been those members who have already paid their 2008 membership, thrilled with the positive community message, awareness and branding of their your Gulls Tickets will be posted to you as soon as they are company which has been generated through our association. The Board of the available. Williamstown Football Club sincerely thanks their retiring CEO Ray Horsburgh We look forward to our new alliance with Western Bulldogs and and Marketing Manager John Barber for their outstanding support over the last 7 further success on and off the field. years. If any members have any contacts with a new potential Major Sponsor / We have some new merchandise that will be available before Partner, please contact the club’s General Manager Brendan Curry / Marketing the 1 st game which will have our updated logo design. I will Manager Trent Mosbey on 9390 0611. get a flyer out to all 2007 members about mid March with details of clothing available, cost and where you can purchase Volunteers Wanted items. Remember to mark in your diaries the two away games that The Williamstown Football Club is very fortunate to have a very loyal group present an opportunity to take a “getaway break “ with the Bendigo game May 18th – the Bendigo Jockeys Club have a of volunteers who assist the club in many valued roles both on match days and race meeting on the Friday (a race day package can be during the week. The club is always on the outlook for people to assist in a organized) , a winery tour on the Saturday can also be arranged, variety of roles to help ease the workload of others - Canteen Staff, Property with the game being on the Sunday we will be home Sunday Staff, Room Staff, Water Boys / Girls, Stats People and Gate Raffle Sellers. If night ready for work Monday. The Tasmania game is August you would like to volunteer or know of a suitable candidate please contact Brendan 2nd and with a new cut price airline (Tiger Airlines) on the scene keep an eye out for cheap flight deals throughout the year. Curry on 939 0611 or [email protected]. Here’s to a great 2008 season Regards - Judi Jeremiah.

THE WORD FROM WILLIAMSTOWN—JANUARY 2008 Page 2 Check us out at williamstown.aflvic.com.au Club Legend Returns to the Club—Saade Ghazi

Welcome home. Seven years since you played at Williamstown for the last time in 2000. How has the return been and was it a difficult decision to return? It’s been really the first opportunity to come back, and I suppose it’s all about timing. With Anthony Eames deciding to move on and I was looking for another coaching job and the time was perfect. It was always in the back of my mind to hopefully return one day, so the decision was very easy. You have been appointed Assistant/Development and Reserves Coach. Can you explain your role and how will you work in with Brad Gotch? Saade Ghazi Firstly to coach and develop the kids coming through our ranks. Make sure they improve as players and young men to give them an opportunity to play senior football. Secondly to give Brad Gotch a set of new eyes in the box and maybe some - The coach different views on things. Saade Ghazi You had 4 seasons at Port Melbourne including 3 as Senior Coach. How did you find the experience? - The player I feel very lucky to have coached at senior level for 3 years. The experience was fantastic, very thrilling and really enjoyed having the responsibility of coaching. I would not change a thing. You have now coached for 7 years (Epping 2001-2003) Port Melbourne (2004-20047). It must be something you love and are keen to continue. I have been playing football since I was 13. I loved playing the game and then progressed into coaching which I love even more. I genuinely love the game, even just watching it. Hopefully I can continue to coach for a lot longer. How have you seen the evolution of the competition since your first season in 1989 to the current model? The competition has become a lot more professional since the addition of the AFL clubs. The standard of football has improved and as well the grounds and facilities. I believe the VFL is the best state league competition in the country. What have your early impressions been of the Williamstown list and what are your goals in 2008? Williamstown has a very strong list with a good mix of experience and young talent. It will be hard to break into the senior side, but players will need to take every possible opportunity. My goals are always to make Finals, so we are looking for both teams to play Finals and to give ourselves a chance to win 2 Premierships. You have always been a favourite amongst the Williamstown faithful and I am sure that there are still many familiar faces amongst the support staff and off field personnel at the club you knew from your playing days? It is something I’m really looking forward to, being involved with people I’ve known for 10-15 years. Guys like the 2 Ronnies (Johnson and Williams) and Max Atkin who help with great passion. I am also looking forward to the games starting and catching up with all our Supporters, especially the ones who supported me when I was playing. Off field I hear that you have gone into a new career direction in Real Estate with John Kontek. Tell us about that and give them a plug especially as they have come on board as a sponsor in 2008. Yes, Its been something that I have wanted to do for some time and again timing with a new coaching job and working in the west is a perfect combination. Its also great that they come on board to support the football club.

Looking to Buy / Sell / Rent in the Western Suburbs Contact Williamstown F.C Legend Saade Ghazi - 0407 013 304 Annual Meeting Supporters Bus The Annual General Meeting of the Williamstown Williamstown Football Club will again run a Supporters Football Club will be held on Tuesday 5th February Bus for all away games during the 2008 season. The bus 2008 at Seagulls Nest (1 Mason St, Newport) in the will depart from our Social Club, Seagulls Nest (1 Mason Bistro commencing at 7:00pm. All Members and Street, Newport) and return there after the final siren. This is an economical and Supporters are invited to attend. easy way to travel to Away games and support the Mighty Seagulls. A season pass can be purchased for $60.00 or a weekly ticket costs $7. If you wish to purchase a season pass please fill in the attached membership form 2008 Social Calendar or you can book a ticket during the season by contacting Rob Kendall on 9397- 7650. * Induction Night / Jumper Presentation Night Tuesday 11th March - Royal Victoria Motor Yacht Club Night Grand Final * Sponsors Night/Season Launch The 2008 VFL Grand Final will be played on Friday 26th September at the Friday 28th March - Social Rooms, Burbank Oval Telstra Dome under lights (AFL Grand Final Eve) in a break from tradition. The 2008 season has been extended to 20 home and away games with 14 * Annual Golf Day clubs and there are no longer any byes. Rounds 5 and 15 are spilt rounds and Friday 2nd May - Kooringal Golf Club the VFL will play South Australia at Norwood Oval on Saturday 31st May. The VFL Reserves competition will commence on April 5th and they will * Annual Auction play an 18 game season with their Grand Final on the Senior Preliminary Final weekend. Saturday 26th July - The Yarraville Club WOK RITE IN * Presentation Night NOODLE & SNACK BAR Thursday 2nd October - The Yarraville Club 7 FERGUSON STREET WILLIAMSTOWN

THE WORD FROM WILLIAMSTOWN—JANUARY 2008 Page 3 Check us out at williamstown.aflvic.com.au Williamstown Football Club Fixture 2008 2008 Practice Match Schedule

Round Opposition Date Time Venue PM Northern Bullants Saturday 23rd February 11.10am & 2pm Princess Park PM Box Hill Hawks Saturday 1st March 11.10am & 2pm Whitten Oval PM Coburg Tigers Friday 7th March 4pm & 6pm Whitten Oval PM Sandringham Sunday March 16th 2pm Trevor Barker Oval PM Casey Scorpions Saturday March 22nd 10.20am & 1pm Casey Fields 2008 Seniors Fixture

Round Opposition Date Time Venue 1 Werribee Saturday 29th March 2:00pm Bartercard Oval 2 Collingwood Saturday 5th April 1:10pm (TV Game) Burbank Oval 3 Port Melbourne Saturday 12th April 2.00pm Burbank Oval 4 Geelong Saturday 19th April 10:40am (AFL C/R) Skilled Stadium 5 North Ballarat Sunday 27th April 2pm Burbank Oval 5 3rd-4th May - SPLIT ROUND - BYE 6 Sandringham Sunday 11th May 2pm Burbank Oval 7 Bendigo Bombers Sunday 18th May 2pm QEO 8 Box Hill Hawks Saturday 24th May 1:10pm (TV Game) Burbank Oval Saturday 31st May - State Game VFL vs. SANFL - Norwood Oval 9 Northern Bullants Saturday 7th June 2pm Princess Park 10 Frankston Sunday 15th June 2pm Burbank Oval 11 Collingwood Saturday 21st June 2pm Princess Park 12 North Ballarat Saturday 28th June 2pm Austar Arena 13 Casey Scorpions Sunday 6th July 2pm Burbank Oval 14 Sandringham Saturday 12th July 2pm Trevor Barker Oval 15 Coburg Tigers Sunday 20th July 2pm Burbank Oval 15 26th - 27th July - SPLIT ROUND - BYE 16 Tasmania Saturday 2nd August 2pm Bellerive Oval 17 Port Melbourne Saturday 9th August 2pm TEAC Oval 18 Bendigo Bombers Saturday 16th August 2pm Burbank Oval

19 Box Hill Hawks Saturday 23rd August 2pm Box Hill City Oval

20 Werribee Saturday 30th August 2pm Burbank Oval WILLIAMSTOWN MAJOR SUPPORT SPONSORS WILLIAMSTOWN F.C 2008 membership Application Form Adult Membership $60.00 Admits bearer to home games for free and discount price to away games. Concession Membership $35.00 Admits concession holders to home games for free and discount price to away games. Past Player Membership $30.00 Admits Williamstown FC Past Players to home games free and discount price to away games. Gulls Membership - Single $120.00 Includes 1 Adult Membership, 1 free Luncheon, free half time food & drinks and more... Gulls Membership - Double $180.00 Includes 2 Adult Memberships, 2 free Luncheons, free half time food & drinks and more...

Barry Round Club Membership $440.00 (Inc GST) Includes 2 Adult memberships, unlimited access to the Room, 2 free President’s Luncheons, complimentary finger food, discounted drink prices, 2 complimentary tickets to Annual Auction and more... Supporters Bus Yearly Pass $60.00 Yearly bus pass to all away games in 2008, departing from Seagull’s Nest. NAME: ......

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