By LIAM TWOMEY
WILLIAMSTOWN pulled off another recruiting strike last week as it continues to build an imposing list for the 2014 VFL season. The Seagulls secured the signature of Kane Lambert from the Northern Blues.
Lambert is as one of the biggest off-season signings in the VFL with the star midfielder crossing over after winning the Fothergill-Round Medal as the most promising young talent in the VFL.
He was widely tipped to be drafted in either last month’s national or rookie drafts but was overlooked.
As well as claiming the Fothergill-Round Medal, Lambert was selected in the Victorian State Team, made the VFL Team of the Year, came fourth in the Liston Trophy and took out the Northern Blues best-and-fairest award.
Seagulls football manager Chris Dixon was delighted to have secured Lambert’s signature.
“He’s a quality character and a quality player,” Dixon said.
“We were as surprised as anyone when he wasn’t picked up by an AFL club. Everyone is well aware of his talent at this level having been judged the most promising player in the competition and almost winning the Liston.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to help get Kane on to an AFL list but if it doesn’t happen we’re hoping he’ll have a long and distinguished VFL career at Burbank Oval.”
With Williamstown having already signed two players from the Northern Blues this off-season (Adam Marcon and Tim Currie) the Seagulls will need to reach an agreement with the Blues to get the deal officially over the line.
Lambert will be joined at Williamstown by Scott Clouston, who is crossing over from Werribee.
Clouston still had one year to run on his contract at Werribee however, the two parties came to an agreement which saw the deal done last week. Clouston finished fourth in the Tigers’ best-and-fairest after spending the first half of the year forward and the second half of the season at full back.
“We’re excited to have him (Clouston) and we think it’s a good fit,” Dixon said. “We were after a key forward and think that Scott can provide that for us. He has a great set of hands and a beautiful long kick so I’m sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play.”
Werribee head coach John Lamont said the loss of Clouston would create opportunities on his playing list.
“This is disappointing, but it gives another person at our club an opportunity, and that is what our club is about,” he said.
“We want players who are committed, dedicated and loyal to the club, the team and their team-mates.”
