Demons speedster lights up the park

JOSH Williamson is cut from a successful cloth, but it’s his football skills that are making him a standout in this year’s TSL competition.

The Hobart City Demons’ speedy forward — the first cousin of New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson — is having a breakthrough year in the TSL and his performances are starting to get him some well-earned recognition.

The 21-year-old has been named in the state league’s team of the week on multiple occasions this year, and while he is pleased with his output he admits the work from his teammates is what’s sparking his good form.

Coming off a four-goal haul in the Demons’ nine-point win over Launceston in Round 17, Williamson now sits seventh overall in the state’s leading goalkickers with 30 majors, with only two more matches remaining in the Dees’ season.

With finals a realistic chance for the sixth-placed Demons, Williamson is hopeful his side can continue to make inroads despite the loss of some key players, including playing-coach Kane Richter, key forward Callan Dell and midfielder Michael Bidgood.

“That hurts, but the players coming in will play their role just as well,” Williamson said. “The vibe around the place is really good at the moment. We often look back from where we were to where we are now and it’s exciting to see the improvements in our game.”

A string of solid performances in recent weeks could earn Williamson some interest from recruiters at season’s end, but the forward admits it’s not something that motivates him on game day.

“I haven’t had any word from AFL scouts, but that’s not what I play for,” he said.

“My goal is to play finals with a bunch of good mates.” James Kitto is a UTAS journalism student.