Jake Wilson’s hot form for Werribee in the VFL down to confidence

WERRIBEE coach John Lamont says increased self-belief and fitness provided the catalyst for Jake Wilson’s stellar season in the VFL.

Werribee’s Jake Wilson is a strong chance to be picked up by an AFL club later this month. Picture: David Smith

WERRIBEE coach John Lamont says increased self-belief and fitness provided the catalyst for Jake Wilson’s stellar season in the VFL.

The 23-year-old arrived at Avalon Airport Oval in 2012 and has emerged as a dependable player on the last line of defence.

But Wilson enjoyed a breakout year in 2015 and was one of seven VFL players to earn an invite last month’s state combine after attracting the interest of AFL recruiters.

The 193cm defender secured a spot in the competition’s Team of the Year and was one vote away from claiming his club’s best and fairest award.

Wilson was named in Werribee’s best eight times from 19 games this year. He was in hot form mid-season, named the Tigers’ best player in three consecutive fixtures against Northern Blues, Coburg and Geelong.

“I think he took big steps forward this year,” Lamont said of Wilson.

“He’s that bigger-bodied bloke that can play on big guys. He tested well at the recent screening and took his game up a level. He got more involved offensively and defended better.

“He’s got to be a fit for a club — someone who’s looking for that extra tall, bigger-bodied bloke on their list.”

Wilson didn’t take the traditional TAC Cup pathway, instead playing in Portland until he moved to Melbourne as a 17-year-old.

He then had a two-year stint at Williamstown before crossing to the Tigers.

Lamont said the plumber could have shelved his AFL dream and instead been tempted by offers from cashed-up suburban clubs.

“I just hope it does happen for him because if it does it’s a great advertisement for young blokes to keep trying to play the best footy you can. Don’t pull the pin after a year or two because you didn’t get a game,” he said.

“Just persevere and hang in there. He could have, over the last couple of years, succumbed to dropping back to local level and playing for money, but he didn’t.

“For him to go into a fulltime environment would help him enormously. I still see a fair bit of upside in him.”

Werribee best and fairest winner Matt Hanson is also in contention for a spot at the elite level.

The 20-year-old midfielder moved to the Tigers from Tasmanian State League outfit Western Storm this season and was a model of consistency throughout the campaign.

“He’s a really good runner, good competitor, wins his own ball,” Lamont said.

“With the change in rules around the rotations being capped and no subs … some blokes are going to have to stay out there longer and Matt has natural capacity to do that as a really hard worker.

“He would just very smoothly transition into a fulltime athlete. Really professional kid.”

Lamont said there was “definite interest” in 193cm Josh Porter, who can fill as role as a forward or back-up ruckman.

Midfielders Jye Bolton and Isaac Conway are also chances to be snapped up.

The national draft will be held on Tuesday, with the rookie draft three days later.

Meanwhile, Jesse Crichton (returning to Perth) and Dylan Reid (Pascoe Vale) have departed Werribee.

Originally published as Jake Wilson’s hot form for Werribee in the VFL down to confidence