The 18-year old is moving to Melbourne next year to study for a degree in engineering science at Victoria University.

Williamstown football manager Chris Dixon said the club was thrilled to secure the services of the ex-Murray Bushrangers forward.

“We see Josh as a player with a lot of upside to him,” he said.

“Credit to the Bushrangers, they did a good job of trying him in a few different positions.

“It’s helped both him and us get a better idea of where he’s best suited on the field.”   

Dixon said Minogue would likely start as a high half-forward, with the hope of developing him further throughout the season.

“He’ll play a similar role to what he had with the Bushies to begin with,” he said.

“He suits the role of the third tall, high half-forward, mobile type of player.

“Like a lot of elite junior talent, he would have spent a fair amount of time through the middle of the ground as well.

“His size fits the mould of a modern midfielder or running wingman.

“We’ll work with him to try and develop his engine a little bit more, but we certainly think it’s a role he’ll be able to play in the future.” 

The 189-centimetre forward played 17 games and kicked as many goals for the Bushies under Darren Ogier.

Minogue also won selection in the NSW/ACt Rams team at the under 18 championships, as well as a spot at the state draft combine.

Joining fellow Bushrangers products Brad Mangan, Willie Wheeler and 2015 Norm Goss Medallist Michael Gibbons Minogue said he was excited to begin the next stage of his career.

“It’s going to be a pretty big challenge,” he said.

“I’ll have to put in a big pre-season and try to work my way into the side.

“But I know what it takes to play senior footy thanks to my time at North Albury, it’s held me in good stead.” 

With a move south for university on his radar for most of the year, Minogue said joining Williamstown worked out well for both parties.  

“Everything fell into place pretty well really,” he said.

“Chris Dixon and (coach) Andy Collins were keeping an eye on me late in the season, and brought me down to have a chat once everything had wrapped up.

“It seems like a bit of a country club, it had a really nice vibe to it, which will meake moving away from home that bit easier.”