In a major coup for the Seagulls, Downie was announced as their latest recruit last week, joining a host of Benalla footballers to play for the standalone state league club, including Nick Mellington and Sam Martyn.
Downie said a strong culture at Downer Oval, along with the opportunity to play in the ruck and as a forward, made the club a good fit for him.
“I’m genuinely excited about getting to know the people at the club,” Downie said.
“Overall I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen and heard.”
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Downie’s recruitment started in 2019, where a casual spectator at several Williamstown games, he sparked a conversation with then-coach Andy Collins.
Even after Collins left his post earlier this month, Downie said the club had shown enough to convince him to sign on for next season.
“Sam has spoken very highly of the club and I’ve spoken a little to Nick too,” Downie said.
“Overall it wasn’t one person that got me there, it was the entire club.”
Downie said Williamstown’s independence was another feature which convinced him to join.
“Just the way they go about it, they do a good job,” he said.
“There isn’t that pressure coming from above.
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“They have a long history, they’ve set up their women’s team and have a strong arm for their alumni groups.”
Drafted to GWS with pick 56 in the 2011 AFL draft, Downie played nine games with the Sydney-based club before retiring in 2017 due to mental health struggles.
Taking a year-long breather from football, Downie returned to the field in 2019 with Old Scotch in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, where he led the Cardinals to a Premier B grand final berth.
“My goal was to get back to enjoying footy again,” he said.
“I definitely achieved that and formed some great relationships along the way.”
With the spark reignited, Downie quickly found his footing to claim the league’s best-and-fairest by season's end.
And before COVID-19 halted all Victorian state leagues this year, Downie’s plan was to return to Old Scotch following its elevation to the William Buck Premier League.
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Now he will set his sights on a brand-new competition, after it was announced the VFL would merge with the NEAFL to form a 22-team eastern seaboard league.
Downie said he hoped to add an experienced head to the Seagulls’ playing group when it resumes pre-season training.
“I’ll be 28 next year,” he said. “All round, footy has taught me a fair bit about myself that I hope may help others.”
And the prospect of playing the best state players from across Victoria, NSW and Queensland also has the big man excited for the new year.
“I know a few guys from my time in Sydney. And just the variety of games, and having three or four interstate trips with the club should be good,” he said.
The Seagulls have also announced their senior coach for 2021, with former Melbourne senior assistant coach Justin Plapp signing on last week.
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