LAST year was supposed to be the start of something exhilarating, something special, something that would remain forever etched in the memory of Leigh Williams.
Williams won’t forget season 2012, but for all the wrong reasons.
After Melbourne chose Williams with selection No 59 in the Rookie Draft the Norwood forward from the Eastern Football League had much reason to be excited about.
Excitement switched to concern. Serious concern.
Early in the pre-season, Williams, who kicked 89 goals in the 2011 season with Norwood, suffered back ligament damage, which delayed his start to the year.
Events would, however, spiral downwards.
Williams endured what he described as a “minor concussion”, which led to Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, and then Encephalitis.
“It wasn’t the greatest of years, it was pretty disappointing,” said Williams, who took three months to recover.
After playing four games with Casey Scorpions, Williams injured an ankle, which ended his season.
Worse still, Melbourne delisted him at the end of an eminently forgettable season.
Fortunately, Williams has made a complete recovery from the illness issues and apart from a few little niggles, his ankle is fine.
Williams, desperate to return to the AFL, chose Williamstown as the club to launch his comeback.
“With me trying to get back into the AFL system, I just thought Williamstown would be the place to go,” Williams said.
“They’re moving forward and going stand-alone next year as well I thought with all the professionalism there it would be the right place for me.”
Williams is enjoying his new digs, even if his goal conversion rate could be better, but his four goal haul against Collingwood proved the difference between a six-point win and a loss.
It was a positive contribution, but Williams candidly admitted he’s struggled for form early in the season.
“It was good to pinch a couple of late goals against Collingwood and build some confidence for the upcoming weeks,” Williams said.
“(My) kicking has been a let-down so far. I’m hoping it will get better and soon.”
With the Western Bulldogs alignment coupled with ex-AFL players Brent Prismall, Cam Wood, Justin Sherman as well as the Williamstown component, Williams noted there was a lot to like about Williamstown.
“There is a pretty good mix of players running around and the professionalism around the club is great,” enthused Williams.
“It’s really good for all the young guys to have these sort of experienced players running around with you at training and on game day.”
Above everything, Leigh Williams is just happy to have last year behind him and back playing footy.
Photo: Damian Visentini
Last Modified on 29/05/2013 14:27