Williams hoping to reboot AFL career
HIS delisting from North Melbourne hasn’t hindered Hermit Park junior Josh Williams’ belief he belongs in the AFL, and he is hopeful a rival team will give him a chance to prove it.
The speedy winger/ halfback was cut from the Kangaroos after playing two games in his debut season after he was taken at pick No. 36 in the national draft.
The AFL trade period begins with the week- long free agency from today, but the rookie draft on November 23 looms as the 20- year- old’s best hope of reviving his AFL career immediately.
Williams booted a goal with his first kick in the AFL against Essendon in July last year, but didn’t get a look- in this season after the Roos had a dream run with injury, and finished ninth after being rated spoon favourites.
The Roos are one of the heavy hitters at the trade table and the writing was on the wall for Williams as they chase stars who play a similar role in Jared Polec ( Port Adelaide) and Josh Hall ( Gold Coast).
“Of course I was upset, but I wasn’t surprised,” Williams said. “The aim from here is to try and get back on an AFL list. I believe I’m good enough to do so, and there are a few clubs interested.
“I played all right in the VFL and had a month or two where I was playing really good football, but unfortunately I had a poor start to the year with a concussion.
“I’m just training and putting on weight and getting fitter. My manager will take care of it for now. All I can do is train and not think about it too much because it’s a waiting game, and out of my control from here on in.
“My manager said at least they’re not coming back and give us a straight- out no. It’s probably 50- 50 at this stage.”
Williams is hopeful his two years experience in an AFL system will help him find a new home.
“Basically I’ve been in the AFL environment for two years and obviously it’s a bit of a step back, but knowing how to deal with it will hopefully help me not only get on a list, but play AFL football,” Williams said.
“I’ve lived a lifelong dream of playing AFL football at the highest level and I’ve been lucky enough to do that, I can’t thank the Kangaroos enough for giving me that opportunity.
“Here’s on to bigger and better opportunities and hopefully I can develop on another AFL list, wherever that might be.”
Fellow Hermit Park junior Braydon Preuss and has been linked with a move from the Kangaroos to Melbourne.