WILLIAMSTOWN’S hard working midfield is renowned in the VFL competition – the likes of Brett Johnson, Ben Jolley and this year Ben Davies have been running opponents ragged in their four wins from four matches this season.

But the man they call ‘Stretto’ in his fifth year at Williamstown is also doing the hard yards through the middle thanks to coach Brad Gotch.

With quick hands and lighting pace, 22-year-old David Stretton was used to doing the in-and-under ball work like his fellow Seagull counterparts but Gotch has tweaked his role in 2009.

“I have a bit of a different role this year,” Stretton said. “I’m more of a defensive wingman this year which has been good. It’s something a bit different as opposed to just playing a normal type of wingman. This year I am more accountable and am working off the man.”

The role can be frustrating for anyone who enjoys getting their hands on the footy but the 176cm Seagull is not only taking it in his stride – he is flourishing.

“He got 24 possessions (against Frankston),” Gotch said. “I had him paying reasonably accountable on the wing and in the last quarter he had some really telling touches – eight possessions. He really broke them up across the half-back line.”

His performance last week on influential Sandringham player David Gallagher earned more praise.

“Stretto did a good job on (David) Gallagher till he went forward … those two goals. Stretto had 29 possessions working on a bloke and working off. He is really taking it on … being able to burst away from contested situations and stoppage situations, he is an important person to have in the team.”

Stretton, who was named in the best from the weekend’s one goal win against Frankston admitted he was still getting used to the new role.

“Being a shut-down player and creating opportunities for the team and myself has been a learning curve.

“When you play that shut-down role they tend to show you less respect. When we get the ball I find myself in a bit more space. It was good last week, I got away a few times.”

Gathering the possessions, while staying true to a defensive role has forced Stretton to lift his work rate, something he says he is enjoying.

Stretton noted that the Seagulls unbeaten run this season was similar to their 2008 start to the season and put it down to the good relationship the club his with VFL affiliate Western Bulldogs.