Delisted Reuben William (2015-2017)

Remove this Banner Ad

Log in to remove this ad.

Multicultural Round: Reuben William on how he came to Australia from a war-torn South Sudan
The Brisbane Lions’ joined Hon. Grace Grace in launching Queensland’s Multicultural Month, with the team to don a Multicultural guernsey against West Coast on Sunday for AFL’s Multicultural Round.

For the Lions’ Reuben William, the Multicultural guernsey represents much more than a playing jumper. ‘This guernsey of ours, means a lot to me and my background…just really overwhelmed and proud to see all of this happening,” William said.

The 19 year old immigrated with his family to Australia to escape a war-torn South Sudan when he was five. His mother Veronica made the decision in the faith her children could have a better life. “It was war torn at the time, there was a civil war going on so it wasn’t great. Mum made the decision to give her kids a better life. I’m glad she did that because now we are living a better life,” William said.

William alongside his three brothers and two sisters came via plane to Darwin, before eventually settling in Brisbane. Their mother has never stopped in providing what was best for her family. “Growing up, it was pretty much a normal childhood. You know, you see what Mum does to give us that normal childhood. I’m just really appreciative,” William said.

The Lions half-back says the Multicultural guernsey pays tribute to people like his mother, from all walks of life and countries, who have found their way to Australia. “There’s several of them everywhere, no matter what culture. Wearing this jersey is just a sign that we appreciate them. We appreciate their contribution that they have in our sport and in the country too,” William said.

William can thank his mother for his burgeoning professional career, as it was she who encouraged him and his brothers to pick up a sherrin in the first place. “We used to run amok in the backyard and my Mum wanted us to do something to let off energy pretty much. She took us down to the local football club. We’ve loved it since, and we’re all still playing footy,” William said.

The Brisbane Lions will wear the Multicultural guernsey on Sunday afternoon against the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, does the NEAFL side also wear these one-off jumpers?
 
  • Thread starter
  • Moderator
  • #81
brizrider said:
Had a chat to Reuben during the year and he seemed pretty non-plussed about the demands of being a professional footy player.
Click to expand...
I wonder what his brother might be like, he is coming through the academy in the next couple of years isnt he?
And have heard he is pretty good.
 
brizrider said:
Had a chat to Reuben during the year and he seemed pretty non-plussed about the demands of being a professional footy player.
Click to expand...
Sorry for his mum,hope the next cab off the rank works out for her sake.
 
saw some VFL the other day on the box. William was playing for Footscray.

The commentators mentioned he was having a really good season and was some chance of being picked up again by an AFL team. Noted that he had the physical attributes to make it and still only 21 years old so has a lot of time to continue to develop (compared to say a 25yo vfl player). Noted his 3/4 games with Brisbane as a positive - i.e. having seen that level he would be aware of what it takes to make it.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

John_Proctor said:
saw some VFL the other day on the box. William was playing for Footscray.

The commentators mentioned he was having a really good season and was some chance of being picked up again by an AFL team. Noted that he had the physical attributes to make it and still only 21 years old so has a lot of time to continue to develop (compared to say a 25yo vfl player). Noted his 3/4 games with Brisbane as a positive - i.e. having seen that level he would be aware of what it takes to make it.
Click to expand...

The rumours were that this was part of the issue and he wasn't willing to put in enough work.
 
I think the implication was he might have learnt his lesson having been delisted. and possibly change of environment to Melbourne away from family and friends has helped him.

anyway - strong draft this year so might not make it this year but as per comment at 21 he hsa 2/3/4 years to keep having crack at VFL level if he is genuinely interested in making it back to AFL.
 
Western Bulldogs eyeing Footscray VFL defender Reuben William in mid-season draft
Western Bulldogs will consider replacing Liam Picken with a footballer who grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp at this month’s mid-season draft.
The Bulldogs have a pick courtesy of Picken’s retirement and have been watching Reuben William, who signed at Footscray after he was delisted by Brisbane Lions in 2017.

William, 21, was born in South Sudan and arrived in Australia via the refugee camp. He is averaging 72 SuperCoach points and 14.3 disposals in the VFL this season. The 183cm defender was in the Dogs mix for last year’s rookie draft although he is no certainty to receive a second AFL lifeline on May 27. His form has not drastically improved since last season.

5f9eaaa72a3e91416d06dd507108db6b
fd1415410904582a3a11e11d47edb284

William’s father, Deng, died during Sudan’s civil war and the family fled to Brisbane via Darwin in 2002, when he was four. The footy-mad youngster quickly fell in love with Australian rules and played three games for the Lions in 2016.

William rebuffed several state-league offers, including one from SANFL giant Central Districts, to join the VFL Dogs last year. Given William is at the aligned VFL team, he would not have to spend too much time learning coach Luke Beveridge’s game plan should the Dogs draft him.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

dlanod
AFLW Player Indiana Williams (2023-)
Replies
0
Views
375
dlanod
dlanod

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top