Will Gould Faces Setback: Won’t Qualify for Next Season Amidst Performance and Injury Struggles
In a disappointing turn of events, young Australian footballer Will Gould has been ruled out of qualification for next season following a combination of performance struggles and recurring injury issues. The 22-year-old defender, once hailed as one of the rising stars of the AFL, is now facing an uncertain future, with his potential sidelining raising concerns about his long-term career trajectory.
Will Gould first caught the attention of AFL scouts during his time in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), where he quickly made a name for himself as a strong, versatile defender with excellent marking ability and leadership qualities. Drafted by the Sydney Swans in 2019 with the 26th overall pick, Gould’s entry into the AFL was met with high expectations. Fans and analysts alike saw him as a future cornerstone for the Swans’ defense, especially given his standout performances for Glenelg and his leadership as captain of the South Australian team in the Under-18s Championship.
Despite his early promise, Gould has struggled to consistently break into the Swans’ senior team. His development has been hindered by a combination of factors, including stiff competition for spots in the team’s defense, adapting to the faster pace of the AFL compared to state leagues, and more recently, a string of injuries that have kept him sidelined for significant periods.
The 2023 AFL season proved particularly challenging for Gould. Early in the season, he suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss several weeks of crucial game time. Even after returning from injury, Gould found it difficult to regain his form, and his limited appearances at the senior level were plagued by inconsistent performances. Coaches have cited his lack of speed and difficulties in adjusting to the Swans’ high-pressure defensive system as areas where he has struggled.
Moreover, Gould’s inability to string together a series of strong performances at the senior level has raised doubts about his long-term place in the team. While the Swans have invested in his development over the last few years, the club’s defensive depth and the emergence of younger, faster players have made it difficult for Gould to cement his position in the side.
The Swans’ decision not to qualify Gould for the upcoming season is seen as a pragmatic one, given his ongoing injury concerns and lack of form. According to sources within the club, the coaching staff and management have had discussions with Gould, and it was mutually agreed that taking time away to focus on recovery and development would be the best course of action.
This means that Gould will not be listed as part of the Swans’ senior squad for the 2024 season, although there may still be opportunities for him to train with the team and potentially requalify later, depending on his recovery and development progress. The club has not ruled out the possibility of Gould returning in the future, but for now, the focus is on allowing him to regain his fitness and confidence.
For many fans, the news of Gould’s exclusion from next season comes as a disappointment, especially for those who have followed his journey from his days as a promising teenager to his draft into the AFL. However, others acknowledge that injuries and form issues are part of the reality of professional sports, and that a break from the intense competition may ultimately benefit Gould in the long run.
AFL commentator Kane Cornes remarked on the situation, saying, “It’s always tough to see young talent like Will Gould struggle to live up to expectations, but the AFL is a demanding environment, and not everyone’s path is the same. Sometimes, taking a step back to focus on recovery can be the best move for a player’s career. Hopefully, we’ll see him come back stronger and more determined.”
As for Gould himself, the young defender has remained relatively quiet on the matter, but those close to him have expressed his desire to overcome these setbacks and make a successful return to professional football. Gould’s determination and resilience will be crucial as he embarks on the difficult road to recovery and attempts to prove that he can still be a valuable asset in the AFL.
Will Gould’s exclusion from next season is a significant blow for both the player and the Sydney Swans, but it may also be an opportunity for Gould to reset and come back stronger. With his future now uncertain, the next few months will be critical in determining whether Gould can overcome his injury and form challenges to reestablish himself as a top-tier AFL defender. Fans and the football community will be watching closely, hoping that this is just a temporary setback for a player with so much promise.
