Welcome back Paul ‘Willsy’ Wiles
There have been a number of new recruits down at the club this year. One new - yet old - face making an impact is Paul 'Willsy' Wiles. Willsy has had several stints at the Gators over the years, so for the relatively new, let's find out a bit about him.
Firstly, do you prefer to be called Paul, Willsy, Wilesy or some of the other names Adam Heath calls you?
Probably steer clear of what Heathy calls me. Willsy or Willow is fine.
For those who may not know, you have returned to the Gators after being up at The Basin in recent years. Tell us a bit about your first and very long stint as a Gator?
I started at Mountain Gate as a 13 year old and was lucky enough to play in a grand final in my first year (lost it). From then on i was hooked. The following year in the under 16s we went one better and I played in my first premiership for the club. On the same day i also played my first senior grand final in the Thirds but unfortunately went down in that one. That first stint as you say went for about 18 years i think and i was fortunate enough to play in one junior and two senior (2nds) premierships, those are the great memories. On the other side of the coin there was also about 4 or 5 grand final losses that id rather forget, including one in the Firsts. Since I left i've had two 3 year stints at the Basin but in between those I did come back to the Gators on two separate occasions. I think ive had about 6 clearances between the two clubs lol. I've met a lot of great people and made some life-long friends in my time at Mountain Gate. As you get older I think you start to appreciate those things more than the game itself.
Who enticed you back? What was the deal? Was it all you could drink? How did you decide to return to where it all began?
Pretty much I came back for the money, The Basin couldn't match the offer lol. I was always going to come back to finish up my playing days and having just moved back to the area, the time was right. Having said that I think the decision was made over beers in Harry's garage. Some of the great decisions are made in that garage.
You got some handy runs in the first couple of games, as well as playing in the top of the table Twos. How have you enjoyed it so far?
So far been great, you can't do much more than win and young guys who have been given opportunity have showed good signs. There is a long long way to go though.
I don’t like to bring up age, but I believe you recently ‘qualified’ as Vets age – how’s the body holding up?
Yep the body is as good as can be expected; my problem's always been the brain, not the body.
My research tells me you captained a premiership side in 99-00, which was the fourth in a row for the club in Decoite 2. You even made 48 in the final. Was that your career highlight?
All three premierships are the highlights, Life membership is a highlight also, however at the time I was pretty young and am probably only starting to understand what that achievement means as I get older.
By the way, you are still the holder of the Twos Second Wicket partnership record with Graeme ‘Pud’ O’Brien. You guys put on 155 with you making 92 and Pud 158. Must have been stiff not to get a ton yourself that day. What are your memories of that partnership?
I was actually selected in the Ones that day but got to the game 5 minutes after I was supposed to and got dropped on the spot and sent to the Twos. So other than being pissed off i don't remember too much. i wouldn't imagine there was alot of running done on the day though, it was a postage stamp of a ground. I was given out LBW and it wasn't out of course!
I notice you’ve got a nice mix of 50s and five-fors over the journey, the sign of a true all-rounder. Would you call yourself a batsman who bowls a bit, a bowler who bats a bit, or jack of all trades, master of none?
Definitely the latter. Started off as a bowler and tried to turn myself into a batsman, but just ended up a pretty good fielder and a nice bloke. There are a couple of tons in there too mate, one at each club lol.
As well as being a life member and past winner of the best clubman award, I noticed you also won the infamous Dickhead Award in 93-94 – would you care to remind us what it was for?
My guess is it was for being a dickhead. Can't remember anything in particular, just general dickheadedness. I may have have actually won on default as the actual winner refused to be part of the fun, but I won't mention names.
I couldn’t help but notice there is a bit of repartee between yourself and Adam Heath – how would you describe your relationship with him? And be careful here, because I might interview him next!
I've known 'teeth' for a while, he is a good girl. You will need a tape recorder to interview him as I don't think he knows how to write or type, he just lifts heavy things and drinks beer a lot. He can't hit sixes though.
And finally, what are your hopes for season 2014-15, both personally and for the team and club in general?
Premierships and promotion back to first division along with a healthy balance sheet. Personally I want another premiership. Actually I will be happy to just make it through the season lol.
Thanks for your time, and welcome back to the Gators!
