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Josh frames role as Swans' leading man
By James MacSmith
January 18, 2004
The Sun-Herald
On McLeod nine... Josh Willoughby trains with the Swans at Sydney Grammar School in Paddington on Friday. Picture: Simon Alekna
Josh Willoughby fluffed his first big break as an actor and knew immediately that football would be a more productive pursuit.
The Swans draftee might have been the next Heath Ledger, but instead Sydney are hoping he can be the next Paul Kelly.
The 18-year-old midfielder has left behind life as a stunt rider and actor on TV drama McLeod's Daughters to forge a career the Sydney.
"We know he's left behind the acting, but we're confident he can make it as a footballer," Swans recruitment manager Rick Barham said.
"He's got a great record at junior level and we're hoping he can play a role in our midfield in the coming years alongside Nic Fosdike and Jude Bolton.
"We've lost Paul Kelly and Daryn Cresswell there, and Stuart Maxfield and Paul Williams will be gone in a few years, so it's an area we were looking to shore up, and we're hoping Josh and Tim Schmidt will do that."
Willoughby and Schmidt shared the Sheehan medal at the national championships in 2002.
Willoughby also toured Ireland with the Australian Institute of Sport academy side and was chosen in the 2003 All-Australian under-18 side.
Willoughby is from Adelaide and was drawn to the Swans by their upset win over Port Adelaide in the final series last year.
"I didn't go to the game, but caught it on TV and that win was incredible," he said. "It was one of the highlights of the year and it definitely drew me to the club. They showed real heart that day, and it looks to be a club going forward."
Willoughby's father Jim, a former bullriding champion, has been involved as an animal wrangler with TV and film for more than 20 years, and his industry association caught Tim's imagination.
"It was always a buzz to be around it and on the set," he said. "The first time they gave me a line, it took about 10 takes and it left me thinking that it probably wasn't right for me.
"I love football and am over the moon to have been picked up by the Swans. I'm not so sure about being the next Paul Kelly, though. They're some big shoes to fill. If I can be half the player he was, I will be happy."
Willoughby was selected by the Swans at No.16 in the 2003 draft after spending just 10 minutes talking to coach Paul Roos.
"I was injured at the draft and wasn't able to do some of the tests, which I thought might hurt my chances of getting drafted," he said.
"I did have a short chat with Rick Barham and Paul Roos, but I didn't hear from the Swans again until I got drafted."
The Glenelg junior has already had his fair share of injuries. He began 2003 with osteitis pubis, before dislocating his kneecap while on tour in Ireland, then sprained both his ankles.
But Barham said this was not a concern for the Swans. "He's still young and these type of injuries are a part of football," he said.
"Our doctors have checked him out and we're confident it won't be a problem.
"He's a bit small, and he will have to bulk up, but he's got some talent and in two or three years I would expect him to be regularly pushing for a starting spot in the side."
By James MacSmith
January 18, 2004
The Sun-Herald
On McLeod nine... Josh Willoughby trains with the Swans at Sydney Grammar School in Paddington on Friday. Picture: Simon Alekna
Josh Willoughby fluffed his first big break as an actor and knew immediately that football would be a more productive pursuit.
The Swans draftee might have been the next Heath Ledger, but instead Sydney are hoping he can be the next Paul Kelly.
The 18-year-old midfielder has left behind life as a stunt rider and actor on TV drama McLeod's Daughters to forge a career the Sydney.
"We know he's left behind the acting, but we're confident he can make it as a footballer," Swans recruitment manager Rick Barham said.
"He's got a great record at junior level and we're hoping he can play a role in our midfield in the coming years alongside Nic Fosdike and Jude Bolton.
"We've lost Paul Kelly and Daryn Cresswell there, and Stuart Maxfield and Paul Williams will be gone in a few years, so it's an area we were looking to shore up, and we're hoping Josh and Tim Schmidt will do that."
Willoughby and Schmidt shared the Sheehan medal at the national championships in 2002.
Willoughby also toured Ireland with the Australian Institute of Sport academy side and was chosen in the 2003 All-Australian under-18 side.
Willoughby is from Adelaide and was drawn to the Swans by their upset win over Port Adelaide in the final series last year.
"I didn't go to the game, but caught it on TV and that win was incredible," he said. "It was one of the highlights of the year and it definitely drew me to the club. They showed real heart that day, and it looks to be a club going forward."
Willoughby's father Jim, a former bullriding champion, has been involved as an animal wrangler with TV and film for more than 20 years, and his industry association caught Tim's imagination.
"It was always a buzz to be around it and on the set," he said. "The first time they gave me a line, it took about 10 takes and it left me thinking that it probably wasn't right for me.
"I love football and am over the moon to have been picked up by the Swans. I'm not so sure about being the next Paul Kelly, though. They're some big shoes to fill. If I can be half the player he was, I will be happy."
Willoughby was selected by the Swans at No.16 in the 2003 draft after spending just 10 minutes talking to coach Paul Roos.
"I was injured at the draft and wasn't able to do some of the tests, which I thought might hurt my chances of getting drafted," he said.
"I did have a short chat with Rick Barham and Paul Roos, but I didn't hear from the Swans again until I got drafted."
The Glenelg junior has already had his fair share of injuries. He began 2003 with osteitis pubis, before dislocating his kneecap while on tour in Ireland, then sprained both his ankles.
But Barham said this was not a concern for the Swans. "He's still young and these type of injuries are a part of football," he said.
"Our doctors have checked him out and we're confident it won't be a problem.
"He's a bit small, and he will have to bulk up, but he's got some talent and in two or three years I would expect him to be regularly pushing for a starting spot in the side."
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