Last December, Wilson celebrated his engagement to long-time partner Ruby, followed by the joyous arrival of twin daughters, Harriet and Romy, just last month. These milestones have marked a transformative period for the family of four.
Wilson’s football journey has seen him transition from a prominent career with the Northern Bullants/Blues, where he amassed 140 games, to becoming a key figure at Collingwood VFL since early 2023. However, his recent shift to the AFLW program as Head of Development and Midfield Assistant Coach has elevated his profile within the club even further.
“It’s a unique experience,” Wilson remarked about coaching and playing for Collingwood. “There’s a lot happening, and life’s pretty good at the moment. I’m grateful for the opportunities both in my personal life and here at work.”
Raised in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs, Wilson’s passion for football blossomed early, guided by his father’s coaching and a successful junior career at North Ringwood. Reflecting on his journey, which includes over 164 VFL games, Wilson acknowledges the pivotal role of Collingwood VFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser in his development and career path.
Transitioning into coaching was a natural progression for Wilson, driven by his seven-year tenure as a school teacher and a deep-seated passion for education. “Coaching or the education side has always been a passion of mine,” Wilson noted. “I didn’t foresee joining Collingwood VFL would lead to this opportunity, but I’m grateful it did.”
As he settles into his new role within Collingwood’s AFLW program under Head Coach Sam Wright, Wilson is enthusiastic about contributing to the team’s success. “My role is to provide players with the tools they need to execute Sam’s game plan,” he explained. “The playing group’s thirst for knowledge is motivating, and I’m excited about our growth potential.”
Balancing his responsibilities on and off the field, Wilson finds fulfillment in his busy schedule. “Training gives me structure, and I thrive on that,” he shared. “Having recently become a father and now coaching, life is full, but I embrace it.”
Amidst these changes, Wilson remains grateful for the support and camaraderie within the Collingwood community. “The culture here is special,” he emphasized. “From the heartfelt messages to the genuine interest in my family, I feel incredibly supported.”
With his fiancée Ruby by his side, Wilson looks forward to the future with optimism. “Life’s pretty good,” he concluded with a smile. “I go home to the best things in my life every day, and that’s truly special.”
