It’s A Big Year For…. #31 Tom Williamson

Written by Ari Stamatakos

Throughout the 2022 Pre-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club. For what should be an exciting and intriguing 2022, let's take an in-depth look at some players on the Carlton list and preview their 2022 season.

Why Is It A Big Year

‘Willo’ is perhaps one of the more interesting players on the Carlton list. After missing a big portion of his early career due to a very debilitating back injury. He returned to the side in 2020 and played a pretty important role in the few instances of success they had. Mainly across half-back, but he played the final game of the season across the wing, and this sparked a very intriguing conversation. Should ‘Willo’ be played on the wing?

Considering the lack of wing options Carlton have available, this should be an avenue to explore. However, for whatever reason, this wasn't explored last year. Potentially, due to poor coaching once again. He missed the middle portion of the season due to poor form and returned in the back end of the season playing across the half-back line. 

One of the few reasons why he isn’t suited to a full-time halfback position is his attack first mentality. It's clear to see that his natural game lends itself to playing in a more aggressive nature. Taking the game on and getting high up the ground to maintain pressure on the opponent. 

This lends itself to playing the wing role very well. He has a penetrating kick, which despite its inconsistency when he gets it right is a very good asset. He can go forward to kick goals and impact the scoreboard, as well as having a good enough knowledge of the defensive side of the game to fill holes and play behind the ball if needed. 

He also has the grunt and intensity that Voss will want to have in his midfield. This position change could revitalise his career because he was slowly falling out of favour with the club and the fans towards the end of last season. 

What is undeniable is that he gives 100% in every game that he plays. He never backs out of a 50/50 and he always puts his head over the pill. Immediately that will put him in Voss’ good books and his number one priority from all the players is intensity. 

The reason why it’s a big year for Willo is that he has a chance to break into the side, in a position where not a lot of players are competing for it. Due to the lack of true wingmen in the Carlton list, if Willo can transform his game and develop the more technical side of it and become a solid winger, then that will go a long way in maintaining his future as a Carlton player. 

The Best Case Scenario

For ‘Willo’ it would be for him to crack into the side in any way. Whether that be across half-back or on the wing, if Willo can get back playing consistent footy then that would be a massive tick. He played out of necessity last season, now it's time for Voss to be forced to pick him, based on his efforts in training, as well as in the VFL, should he need it.