Tom Williamson | 2020 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
After a largely improved season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.
This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #31- Tom Williamson.
SEASON SYNOPSIS
Tom Williamson started his 2020 season in the Round 3 match against Geelong, after nearly 3 seasons out of action with a debilitating back injury. He didn’t miss a beat in his return, as Carlton fans were reminded about the talent he possesses.
Displaying consistent grunt and determination, ‘Willo’ averaged 10 disposals per game at 77 percent efficiency, 2 rebound 50s, 7 pressure acts, 2 tackles and 3 ground ball gets. Playing exclusively across the half-back line, among defenders he ranked average in tackles, pressure acts and hard ball gets, as well as being ranked above average for total clearances.
Having played only 2 matches in the 2 years prior, it would have been difficult to criticise the young star. However, his performances, especially in the early parts of 2020, did himself every favour in establishing himself as a defensive mainstay.
BEST PERFORMANCE
One of ‘Willo’s more impressive performances of the season came on a scrappy, low scoring night at the MCG, where Carlton defeated Essendon by 1 point.
He ended proceedings with 15 disposals going at 80% efficiency, and in a vintage ‘Willo’ display, he went at 77% efficiency by foot. He also added 3 score involvements, 2 tackles, 5 intercept possessions and 3 clearances to his stat line. In his second game back in nearly a year, he showed that he hadn’t missed a beat.
Going largely unnoticed by the media and fans alike, ‘Willo’ displayed maturity, confidence and the ability to do the simple stuff well. Carlton fans should start to become accustomed to this, as he continues to improve in coming seasons.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
Carlton fans are still waiting to see what a second full preseason could do for ‘Willo’s fortunes heading into 2021. With the retirement of Kade Simpson, there appeared to be a spot for him to slide straight into.
However, the additions of Zac Williams and Adam Saad, as well as the return of Nic Newman, make ‘Willo’s role off the half back line look less and less secure. A role change could be in the works for the young gun, as witnessed in the last game of the season against Brisbane. He played most of the game on the wing, and looked right at home.
He proved handy in that role, amassing 14 disposals to go with 5 score involvements, 5 clearances, 3 inside 50s and 5 rebound 50s in arguably one of his better games of the season. His audacity to break lines along with his attitude and grunt provided the Blues with a point of difference. He could potentially prove to be the missing link that the Blues have been looking for forward of centre come 2021.
2020 REPORT CARD RATING
C+
STATUS HEADING INTO 2021
Fringe 22 Player
