Tom Williamson | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

After making his return to footy after effectively 2 years out in 2020, the hopes were high for Willo in season 2021. He was the tenacious and hard-hitting half-back who could fill the void of Simmo perfectly. He was selected for round 1 and played a fine game, before a very disappointing outing against the Pies a week later saw him dropped from the side. He was selected in round 5 to redeem himself, but again, unfortunately, he was dropped. He returned to the side in round 16 and saw out the year, returning to footy which we have come to see from Willo in times past. While he wasn’t amazing, he was the furthest thing from terrible - which he was very close to reaching early on in the year. He was having constant 10-15 disposal games whilst using his beaming left boot to break lines and hunting down the ball carrier with ferocity. He didn’t average elite in any statistic this year, and only above average in a handful of metrics. This was the definition of an average/below average year, which was very disappointing considering the expectation that he has developed upon himself.  

BEST PERFORMANCE 

There was no pinpoint game that defined Willo’s year. While his round 1 game was a sign of good things, as he played with the intensity and class that we saw last year. He’s out and out ‘best performance’ was his game against the Saints in round 20. He kicked 2 goals, had 13 touches, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 8 effective kicks and went at 84% disposal efficiency - his highest for the year. This is the type of performance we want to see from Willo on a much more consistent basis, he was lively and energetic all throughout the night and was one of the many bright spots that night for the Blues.  

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

This could be a make-or-break off/pre-season for Willo. He does have the natural ability to play in a good Carlton team, he has the white-line fever which has made him well-liked amongst the Carlton faithful, he just needs to put it all to practise and get the mental side of the game on point. While a move to the wing was up for consideration at the end of the 2020 season, I don’t think that would be on the cards, as his defensive side of the game still needs a fair bit of work. If it had improved and he had made linear progress, then it very much would be, however, the fallibility that he causes the Blues on defence is of major concern. With the likes of Zac Williams and Adam Saad becoming main stays, as well as the emergence of Liam Stocker, then it would be hard-pressed to see him having a constant place in the 22 for next season. However, for any opportunity that he gets he must take it with both hands, as there may not be that many which he gets. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

D+

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Sporadic 22