From Broome to Belconnen, West’s new recruit Scott Wilson’s rugby journey is taking a path which is certainly a less travelled one.

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The 24-year-old has recently moved to Canberra for a graduate position in the Commonwealth, but has one eye on his ambitions to succeed on the rugby pitch.

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“I did the pre-season block of training before Christmas which was great. The boys have really welcomed me into Wests. Robbo has been great both as a coach and helping me settle in. It’s been a really inclusive environment which is awesome,” Wilson said.

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A proud indigenous man, Wilson hails from the “Gooniyandi” people from Fitzroy Crossing, some 400 kilometres east of Broome in the Kimberley region. He has recently graduated with a degree in anthropology and has spent the past few years working with remote indigenous communities in the Kimberley.

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Wilson comes from sporting pedigree with his brother Liam Bedford, having played in the AFL for both Wests Coast Eagles and the Geelong Cats.

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Wilson had ambitions of playing in the AFL having been educated in Perth’s Hale School, however injuries brought him undone in his final school year.

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Despite Wilson’s setbacks, he is extremely eager to commence his rugby journey in 2018.

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“Before Steve Larkham came to training, I did have to google who he was,” Wilson laughed, “but I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in with the boys and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

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Director of Rugby Craig Robberds spoke of Wilson’s fitness and eagerness, “Scott has been great, he’s extremely fit, hungry to learn and slotted into the Wests culture really well. I’m really looking forward to seeing him progress this year.”

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Wests pre-season continues to grow momentum, before the season proper kicks off 7 April (3rd & 4th Grade) with other grades commencing on Old Boys Day (14 April) at Jamison.