After overcoming some pre-season injury concerns, the developing ruck-forward took another step forward by playing six games in 2021.
Williams appeared in the mix to play during pre-season matches but suffered a minor quad strain and then rolled his ankle in an untimely incident at training.
The 21-year-old missed the opening month of the season before returning via the WAFL and then earned a call-up for the round eight win over Hawthorn at the MCG as a young Eagles outfit secured a 38-point victory.
Williams held his spot as star ruck Nic Naitanui’s back-up for five weeks before a spell back with the WAFL Eagles, returning for the round 18 trip to Adelaide for a stirring victory over the Crows in Naitanui’s 200th game.
Blessed with a high leap and strong hands, the next step for Williams is to get more involved around the ground – an area he has shown growth in at WAFL level - as he attempts to nail down a regular senior spot.
Standout performance: Heat on the Hawks
His first game for the season was arguably Williams’ best at AFL level – and it could have been even better.
Following an uninspiring, goalless opening term, the 200cm youngster got involved on the scoreboard in the second quarter, missing a couple of shots before finding the major opening during a relative goalfest as the Eagles piled on seven majors to three.
Williams took a season-best five marks, two contested, and had a personal high nine disposals as the Eagles returned from the home of football with the four points.
Season averages:
Disposals – 5.8
Hitout Win Percentage – 43.9
Kick to Handball Ratio – 1.9
Contested Marks – 1.5
Intercept Marks – 1.2
