ORIGINALLY selected at pick No.34 in the 2023 AFL Draft, Billy Wilson realised a dream when he arrived at IKON Park.
Picked up off the back of his best-and-fairest year with the Dandenong Stingrays, Wilson settled into life as an AFL footballer, averaging 18 disposals in his 13 VFL appearances in year one despite an interrupted season with a knee injury.
Coming into the season “hungrier” than ever, Wilson’s pre-season set him up for the year to come, and the boy from Dromana has enjoyed a strong season.
Featuring in all but one of the Carlton Reserves’ VFL games so far this year, the talented youngster is having a significant impact in the back six of Luke Power’s side.
Now averaging 20 disposals in his second season at the Blues, Wilson has played a crucial role throughout the Reserves’ campaign - highlighted by his 27-disposal game in a win against Sandringham and having eight straight games with over 20 disposals.
That form line ultimately saw him become player No.1249 to wear the Navy Blue when he debuted against Port Adelaide – while it wasn’t the result the debutant was hoping for, it was a moment he, his family and his friends will cherish forever.
“Getting over to Adelaide was good – I’m pretty glad it happened this year,” he said.
“It was a tough loss, but it was just good to be out there with the boys that I’ve been training with for so long.”
Despite taking the big step up after his dream was granted, Wilson couldn’t have been more humble on his return to the Reserves.
“Coming back here to the VFL feels just as good - to be with these boys who I have been playing with for so long.
“Connection here is a massive thing, especially being a listed player coming back to the VFL. We’re buying into it and keeping on, because no matter who comes in or goes out, we have the same idea.
“I’ve got to keep cracking in there and keep getting better, and hopefully off the back of that I’ll play more AFL.”
As one of the younger players amongst the group, there have been a number of individuals who have had a big impact on 20-year-old.
Along with his coaches who have had a key impact, he shouted out a senior teammate who has had a big part to play early on.
During his younger days as an Essendon supporter, Wilson spent his early days looking up to Adam Saad – flashforward to his arrival at the Blues, and it was that man who tucked him under his wing.
“Tom Lonergan’s been good down back - Aaron Hamill’s been great. And ‘Saady’ has always been there for me since I arrived.”
With another feature in the coach’s best players on the weekend, Wilson is locked in with his level-headed approach.
It all comes down to that simple goal – “just keep getting better”.
“Number aren’t really what I focus on too much – it’s more just playing my role.
“I’m just trying to keep getting to work playing consistent footy - that’s all I can do.”
Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
