Defending AWFA league and cup champions Wangaratta have bolstered their defensive stocks by signing young Englishman Ellis Williamson.
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The 6'2 left back and centre back is only 19 years of age and comes highly regarded to the Devils after a polished junior career with Nottingham Forrest, before going on to League 1 outfit Mansfield Town.
He's expected to slot in at left back to replace the experienced Thomas Frawley who is having some time away from the sport.
Williamson, who turns 20 on Friday, was itching to get out to Australia, having also spent an off-season playing in the US.
"I've always looked to play abroad, whether it's in Australia or a different country. I've always had my eye on Australia to come out here and play and when the opportunity came I couldn't really turn it down," he said.
"A guy who's been out here (to Australia) before, lives around the corner for me and said they (Wangaratta) were looking for a defender to come out.
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"I dropped them a message about more information and a month later I've come out here."
Williamson looks back fondly on his time at Nottingham Forest, starting there as a seven-year-old before being let go at 15.
"It's a massive club to be at obviously. One of the greatest clubs in England with its history, so it was always good to play at a club with the stature of Forest," he said.
"There was great facilities, some of the best in the country, so I really enjoyed my time at Forest. I was a bit gutted when it came to an end.
"Mansfield came up and that was a good club to be at as well. I enjoyed my time there, but the last year I fell out of love with the way the club was playing and I needed to get back to enjoying football again.
"I was at Mansfield for three years and they offered me a pro contract, but I turned it down because I didn't really get on with the club and didn't really like the way they played.
"All my mates were playing at West Bridgford, so I kind of dropped down a few levels and went and played for them."
Williamson has described himself as a versatile fullback and believes he can help Wangaratta repeat last year's heroics and defend the league and cup crowns.
"I like to get up and down the pitch, I've got a good range of passing, love to tackle and love winning headers," he said.
"They're going to be the ones to beat having won it last year, so I'm hoping to put in a good performance from start to finish and hopefully we'll have the same outcome at the end of this season."
Wangaratta coach Daniel Vasilevski is thrilled to have Williamson on board.
"He's strong, quick and loves getting forward. Got a great strike on the ball," Vasilevski said.
"He's super keen to get started and comes as fit as they were in season."
With English striker Adam Burchell receiving full playing status, Wangaratta has the ability to add another visa player to its squad before the start of the season.