VFL: Northern Blues captain and loyal clubman Tom Wilson set for 100-game milestone

SKIPPER Tom Wilson will be remembered among the pantheon of Northern Blues greats, according to one of the men who recruited him to the club.

Northern Blues captain Tom Wilson leads his VFL side out. Photo Credit: Tim Murdoch.

SKIPPER Tom Wilson will be remembered among the pantheon of Northern Blues greats, according to one of the men who recruited him to the club.

Former Blues general manager Garry O’Sullivan said Wilson, who will play his 100th match for the club on Saturday against Box Hill, was “right up there with all the former greats”.

“Just a great servant, a terrific person to deal with and a great team and club man," O'Sullivan said.

“He’s got all those wonderful attributes in a player that you want at your footy club.”

Wilson, a product of Eastern Football League clubs North Ringwood and Vermont, arrived at the Blues in 2011 after graduating from TAC Cup outfit Eastern Ranges.

The 176cm on-baller made contact with then Northern Bullants coach Darren Harris, featuring twice in the senior side during his first year in the VFL.

The 26-year-old has since established a reputation as one of the club’s modern greats, joining former captain Brent Bransgrove as one of the only players to reach 100 games since its alignment with Carlton was ratified.

Northern Blues captain Tom Wilson charges away with possession. Picture: Kylie Else.

“Early days he was in a similar boat to me where we were not getting a senior game each week,” Bransgrove said.

“You keep working hard and developing and working on your craft.

“Developing into a better player and gaining that respect from your teammates and the coaches.”

Wilson was elected captain in 2016, underlining the esteem he is held in at Princes Park.

“His impact on the footy club has been more than just the 100 games,” coach Josh Fraser said.

“It’s been the way he interacts with staff and people around the club.

“It’s the way he represents the club. The way he carries himself.

“The way he cares for his teammates. There’s a really holistic approach he brings to our footy club and that’s what makes him so highly regarded with us.”

Bransgrove said Wilson was the obvious choice to succeed him when he retired.

Tom Wilson launches a kick forward for Northern Blues in 2014. Picture: Kylie Else.

“Even though the coaches and teammates change over the years, (he has) still maintained that respect and that is a credit to him,” he said.

Wilson would need to play another four seasons to pass the club record of 174 games held by Frank Dowling.

“It’s been a hot competition through the Tommy Wilson years and he has more than held his own,” O’Sullivan said.

“Whenever that day does come I am sure he will look back on his career and be very satisfied with what he has contributed to the club.

“In turn, the club will always be in his debt because of what he has brought to the club, both on and off the ground.”

A combative midfielder capable of hitting the scoreboard, Wilson has been awarded life membership by Northern Blues and is a two-time best and fairest winner.

Fraser said the club was “really proud” of Wilson’s milestone, highlighting his ability to bring the Blues’ AFL and VFL-listed players together.

“I know the Carlton-listed players have got a high level of respect for what he has been able to achieve at VFL level,” he said.