2020 Trade & Free Agency Spotlight | Zac Williams (GWS)
Written by Joseph Addamo
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
Looking to take the next step in 2021, the success of this off-season’s recruiting is critical. We will be looking at various opposition players on the open market that could add another dimension to the current crop of players.
This is the Blue Abroad Trade & Free Agency Player Spotlight for GWS’ (or should we say Carlton’s) Zac Williams.
WHO IS ZAC WILLIAMS?
Junior Club: Narrandera Eagles, Riverina Football League
AFL Selection: Pick 54, 2013 AFL Rookie Draft by the GWS Giants (Academy Player)
Age (2021 Season): 26
Height: 185cm
Weight: 84kg
Position(s): Defender / Midfielder
Career Games: 113
Career Goals: 27
WHAT IS ZAC WILLIAMS’ STRONGEST ATTRIBUTE?
Zac Williams has made a name for himself at the GWS Giants over a number of season for his explosive pace breaking away from opposition players off half-back or away from stoppages in the middle of the ground.
In his career to date, he rates above average for disposals per game (19.6), average metres gained (361.1), effective disposals per game (14.9) and pressure acts per game (12). He also ranks in the elite category for his tackles per game (3.1), contested possessions (6.8) and ground ball gets (5.5).
Using his speed and closing ability, these stats highlight Williams’ ability to not only find and hunt the ball in congested areas, but also pressure his direct opponent into potentially creating a turnover.
WHERE WOULD ZAC WILLIAMS FIT IN CARLTON’S STARTING 22?
Being promised more midfield time, by all reports, from the Blues ahead of formalizing his free agency move, it begs the question – is he a better midfielder or defender?
Williams has predominantly played off half-back for the Giants to gain metres with penetrating kicking, and to break lines using his explosive pace. However, arguably in his career game to date, the 2019 Preliminary Final – a famous win for GWS over Collingwood – showcased just how effective he can be as a midfield attribute.
He was one of the Giants’ most influential on the day, collecting 25 disposals (16 contested), laying 6 tackles and having an equal game-high 10 clearances. Remarkably, this output came from just 68% time on ground.
It will be an exciting prospect watching Williams line up alongside fellow midfield compatriots Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Will Setterfield and Sam Walsh in 2021.
WHAT IS ZAC WILLIAMS’ CONTRACT STATUS?
It has been widely reported that Zac Williams has informed GWS of his intention to exercise his free agency rights and accepting a contract offer from Carlton. The contract value has been reported at approx. $800,000 per year over a 5 year contract.
REALISTIC ACQUISITION RATING
10 / 10 (locked and loaded)
