Gold Coast SUNS Academy prospect, Nick Williams spoke to SUNS Media on his football journey thus far following last week’s 128-point VFL thrashing over Carlton.
Williams is a big-bodied, running half back from Tasmania who has started to turn heads in the previous years in the SUNS Academy.
“I grew up down in Tassie, lived there for about 10 years then moved up to the Gold Coast four or five years ago,” Williams said.
“I joined Surfers Paradise footy club when I moved up and have played a mix of games with them and the SUNS ever since."
Since receiving the opportunity to join the SUNS Academy in 2021, Williams believes that his football has improved significantly.
“I got invited to join the SUNS Academy two years ago,” Williams’ said.
“It has definitely excelled my footy.
“Looking at where I was two years ago, I am a lot better of a player… mentally and physically.”
Williams was selected to represent the Allies in the’ Under 18 Boys National Championships with the defender playing a total of four games across the competition and enjoying matching it with the best in the nation.
“That (Country Championships) was unreal to play with some of those great players around my age from around the country," he said.
“Our boys were amazing, the coaching staff was awesome, and it was just unreal to experience that step up and higher level of footy."
Last week’s triumphant win against the Blues was invaluable experience for Williams who had the opportunity to run onto Heritage Bank Stadium alongside 18 AFL-listed players.
“It is awesome… you watch them on TV at the start of the year and then you are running around with them now, it is cool,” Williams emphasised.
“I was almost a spectator down back just watching the midfield go to work.
“It was so cool to be out there, especially the second quarter, they get around you and they are really good to us academy boys."
Williams was one of two Queenslander to recently be selected to attend the Victorian State draft combine which is held on Saturday 8th October at Margaret Court Arena.
