WRFL 2021: Spotswood secures two big signings for Division 1 season

Having already landed ex-AFL player Nick Graham, top-flight WRFL club Spotswood has locked in more key recruits for this season.

Nayef Hamad on the burst for Werribee Districts in 2019. Picture: Local Legends Photography

One of the Western Region Football League’s leading midfielders has returned to his junior club.

Footscray-listed Nayef Hamad has signed on with Spotswood for this season after spending 2019 with Division 1 rivals Werribee Districts.

Hamad was one of the Tigers’ leading performers in his only season with the club, named in the best players eight times from 18 games, while he earned Team of the Year honours at the Woodsmen in 2017.

“He gives us that class, ball carrying ability, pace,” Spotswood coach Anthony Eames said.

“He’s a good kid, Nayef, so it’s great to have him back.

“We were fairly disappointed he left obviously, being a local kid, but sometimes you’ve got to head off and experience something different and then they normally come back potentially a bit more mature … because they’ve experienced something they’re not used to.

“When the word out got out that he might be a chance (to return), we tried to keep it pretty quiet, but our playing group’s pretty excited because they’re all pretty close to him.”

Eames said Hamad had worked hard on his fitness and developed his body since securing a chance at VFL level.

While the Woodsmen hope Hamad plays as much state league football as possible, Eames said the star recruit showcased his ability for Werribee Districts during the WRFL finals series two years ago.

“He was one of Werribee’s best players in a couple of finals I watched,” he said.

“We wish we had him (in 2019) because he certainly would have been that for us.”

Spotswood will boast one of the competition’s best midfields in 2021, with Hamad joining the likes of ex-Carlton player Nick Graham, captain David Iaccarino, Brydan Hodgson and Steve O’Bryan.

But Eames said the club was not planning for its VFL-listed players to be available each week.

Former Brisbane Lion and Footscray midfielder Reuben William has linked with the Woodsmen, while Jordan Boyd is also listed with the Bulldogs. AFL premiership player Fletcher Roberts will also take the field in the WRFL if he is not required by Port Melbourne.

Reuben William has joined Spotswood as an aligned player. Picture: Michael Dodge

“For all of our VFL players, even though they make us stronger, if we’re true to our word about developing players and all that, we actually want them playing VFL for as long as they can with a view to maybe being drafted,” Eames said.

“If we get any of them at any stage, it will be a bonus. If we get all of them, they’re pretty big inclusions.”

William, 23, has been with Footscray since 2018 after making three appearances at the elite level.

“He was looking for a solid Division 1 footy club and I think we’re a good fit for him,” Eames said.

“He lives in West Footscray, not far from Whitten Oval, and has been to training the last couple of Thursday nights and he’s built like a VFL player and looks like a VFL player.”

Eames said Graham “showed his class” in Saturday’s practice match against Barwon Heads, while youngster Josh Drage also impressed.

Spotswood will face Hoppers Crossing in a Friday night blockbuster in Round 1 on April 9.