Rising star Faithfull set for big stage

Towns ball magnet William Faithfull joined illustrious company at the 2017 Great Northern Football League JJ Clune Medal ceremony, after being recognised with the Maurie Drennan “Rising Star Award”.

Previous recipients of the award have typically gone on to forge successful WAFL and AFL careers — most notably Harry Taylor (Rovers, currently with Geelong) and Calib Mourish (Towns, Fremantle).

Faithfull played 16 games with the Bulldogs in 2017 and became a staple of Chris Kane’s starting squad.

His outstanding application at league level also caught the eye of Northern Suns coach Illia Battistessa, who selected him for representative duty at the CBH Group Northern Regions Colts Carnival at Wongan Hills.

With the support of his father Peter, who would regularly drive down from Carnarvon to follow his son’s progress, Faithfull has plenty of upside on both sides of the ball.

Receiving his recognition, Faithfull said he valued the support all season from both family and his club.

“They (Towns) are a good family club and have been really supportive since the start,” he said. “I finished up with St Pats in 16s and my teacher got me over — they’ve been supportive the whole time.

“It’s been great (at league level). Chris Kane’s been a big help and having those older fellas around helps you out a lot and they’ve taught me a bit.”