Originally from West Adelaide, Welsh was drafted by the Kangaroos in the 1995 National AFL Draft with pick 17 and after playing in North Melbourne’s 1999 Premiership, was traded to the Adelaide Football Club. He was the Crow’s leading goal kicker in four different seasons before being recruited to the Western Bulldogs.
Western Bulldogs Senior Coach Rodney Eade said the Club had no hesitation in taking Welsh with pick number 4 in the 2008 pre-season draft.
“At the time we needed another option in the forward line and it actually just fell in our lap that Scott Welsh was out of contract. Obviously he could take a contested mark and was a proven goal kicker and we have been really pleased with his performance,” Eade said.
Welsh was hampered by a series of back complaints during Season 2009, but was still able to move into defence and play as a sweeper when required, and according to Eade, his strengths were not limited to his influence on the field.
“I think he really enjoyed that role and we certainly thought it was very beneficial to the team. As a person he was terrific for the Club, he fitted in extremely well and was very popular amongst his teammates. I think apart from his football he really added to the group as well in that sense. He is obviously leaving the Club having made a huge impression and he knows he is welcome back at the Western Bulldogs anytime,” Eade said.
Assistant Coach Paul Williams agreed with Eade and says he will miss Welsh’s influence in the forward line.
“Scott added experience and direction to the forward line, he was very good at helping set up all the structures. He was very much a team first kind of player and would fulfil any role we asked him to do, very selfless,” Williams said.
Welsh now plans to return to his hometown of Adelaide and says he will look back at his time at Whitten Oval with fond memories.
“I just want to thank the Western Bulldogs for giving me the opportunity to play with them over the last couple of years and I wish the Club all the best going forward as they strive for their next premiership,” Welsh said.
In other news at the Western Bulldogs, Wayde Skipper, Cameron Wight and Paul O'Shea have been informed they will be delisted unless an appropriate trade can be negotiated.
