By Mark Murray
WILLIAMSTOWN Football Club’s recruiting blitz has continued with the addition of key Kangaroos forward Callum Urch and West Adelaide star Jackson Barling.
The Seagulls are determined to make an immediate impact in their first season aligned with the Western Bulldogs and have been the most active off-field of any Victorian Football League (VFL) club.
Urch has spent the past five seasons on the Kangaroos’ list and is keen to relaunch an Australian Football League (AFL)career after injury prevented him living up to high expectations.
He was selected at pick number 25 in the 2002 AFL National Draft, but battled chronic hamstring problems throughout his time at Arden St which eventually led to him being delisted at the end of last season.
The 23-year-old centre half forward played eight senior matches for the Kangaroos.
Barling returns to Victoria after finishing third in West Adelaide’s best and fairest last season in the South Australian National Football League.
Williamstown general manager Brendan Curry said the club was determined to improve on two preliminary final berths in as many years.
“We have made a decision we want to make a real impact straight up next year,” Curry said.
“We have been able to pick up some very good footballers already and we are confident we are going to have a very strong squad next year.
“To get Callum and Jackson on board as well is fantastic and they are both going to be good footballers for us.
“Callum gives us some flexibility and we think at 23 he is starting to understand his body a bit better, so hopefully he can get over his injury worries.”
Urch injured his hamstrings 11 times during his tenure with the Kangaroos.
Through the club’s alignment with Port Melbourne and North Ballarat, Urch has played 64 senior VFL games and kicked 51 goals.
The signings follow the addition of Jason Cloke, Matthew Little, Dean Galea and Ben Jolley.
“It’s always nice to be on the front foot and get a few over the line early,” Curry said.
“We have done that so hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come.”
Star forward Andrew Williams has indicated he will retire from VFL footy and play locally with Beaconsfield, while Dean Limbach is also a confirmed departure from the Seagulls.
