All-Australian Billy Wigmore Balances Full-Time Building Work with AFL Draft
The 18-year-old Western Jets defender earned All-Australian selection in a back pocket while working full-time as a carpenter.
Billy Wigmore spent his winter restumping his family's Yarraville home. He dug holes alongside his mates for two months straight.
He also trained and played for the Western Jets. The back pocket defender earned All-Australian selection at the under-18 carnival.
He was named in the Talent League team of the year. He finished second in the best and fairest.
Billy Wigmore models his game on Geelong's Tom Stewart. He watches how the five-time All-Australian uses his 189cm frame to cut off opposition attacks.
Wigmore found the balance between work and footy really good. His dad was flexible about recovery days.
Now at the AFL Draft Combine, he says the hard physical work digging holes in summer heat has given him a proper work ethic. It makes him ready for whatever comes next.
- 18 years old
- Age
- 189cm
- Height
- 9.5 in Talent League, 9.8 in nationals
- Intercepts per game
- About 50 over two months
- Holes dug
Why it mattersIt shows top-level talent emerging from pathways usually overlooked. It shows how strong discipline off the field builds better performance on the field.
AustraliaWigmore is a prospect in this year's AFL Draft who could join fellow Western Jets graduates like Finn Davis at an AFL club.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
