It’s a Big Year for… Tom Williamson

Written By Ari Stamatakos 

Throughout the 2021 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 2021, let's take an in-depth look at players who are destined for a big year, or must have a big year in 2021.

It's a big 2021 for Carlton’s #31 – Tom Williamson.

2021 Preview 

It was a remarkable return for Tom Williamson in 2020, after pretty much 2 years out with a debilitating back injury, many thought his career at the top level would be over. However, he proved all doubters wrong and seamlessly walked back into the best 22 and it was like he never left. It was a fantastic development year for the 22-year-old. 

The staple of his game in 2020 was his grunt and intensity, always putting his head over the ball and never shying away from the contest, averaging 2.7 ground ball gets and 2 tackles is a testament to that statement. Another staple of his game is his kicking, which was nothing short of excellent last year. He averaged 70% kicking efficiency last season, whilst only being average amongst defenders, it’s above-average amongst midfielders, which is an interesting note as there has been take amongst critics that a move up to the wing could be in the works for ‘Willo’ in 2021.

2021 will be a defining year for ‘Willo’, with the addition of Adam Saad as well as the imminent return of Nic Newman from injury, he will need to elevate his game and really make an impact across the half-back line in order to ensure his place in the side. In the last game of the season, against Brisbane, he played 50% of his game time on the wing, and in slippery and wet conditions, he arguably had his best game of the season, having 14 disposals and kicking his only goal of the season, his trademark grunt and intensity was displayed higher up on the ground and proved to act as a different dynamic, and an avenue which could be up to David Teague sleeve in 2021.

The Best Case Scenario

Last year was a real breakout year for “Willo’, looked to have his body in tip-top shape and playing some of the very best football of his career, far from infallible, but fantastic building blocks for what should be a very good career. With this saying, in 2021 there are still areas of the game which need to be improved upon for him to reach his ultimate ceiling.

Whilst his kicking is a very good aspect of his game, where his kicks are going is something which could be improved. 185.3 meters gained and 2 rebound 50’s displays a hesitant and patient way of kicking the ball, not willing to take risks and putting himself in the firing line, of either making a line-breaking pass or risking coughing the ball and conceding territory or even a goal. As well as this, only averaging 1 inside 50’ is again further pushing the idea of a hesitant half-backman, who if a potential move to the wing, could unlock a different side of him in 2021

Even with the retirement of Kade Simpson, this half-back line which consists of Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty and Adam Saad will always be hard to break into, so the best-case scenario for “Willo” in 2021 would be to push these stars to the absolute limit, push to start on that half backline, which if successful, would be a major statement for him.

Overall Expectations 

“Willo” will obviously look to improve in 2021, however, if he keeps his body fit like he was able to do in 2020, that would be a great start. It’s going to be hard to crack into a half-back line that consists of Saad, Weitering and Docherty, however, it’s expected of him to push all three players to their limits in order to make them, and himself the best they can be. 

Being able to generate attack from defence in a quick manner is something that should be improved on by ‘Willo’, as his booming kick is something of a weapon that can be capitalised upon. Naturally, he isn’t going to start putting up Jake Lloyd levels of numbers, but with the disposals he does get, making them effective and the ability to punish the opposition is something that can really set him apart from the rest. 

Status Leading Into 2021 - Consistent Starting Player