New tagger Williams learning as he goes


Looking to add more depth and talent to its young list for season 2015, Coburg picked up 21-year-old midfielder Jordy Williams for his natural ball-winning abilities.
But, in the last practice match of the pre-season, Peter German informed Williams of a different role – one that he had never played before.
“He just said ‘if you can do the tagging role there’s a spot in the senior side for you’,” Williams remembers.
“I’d never done it before … it’s a new role but you do what you can to help the team.”
Williams was used as a tagger for the first five games of the year – including a round one job on AFL-listed Tiger Nathan Foley in Coburg’s memorable win over former partner Richmond – and reprised his role against Sandringham a fortnight ago.
“[Germo] said that I’d have the opportunity to go with Clint Jones.
“It’s the challenge of him taking you to the ball but then once you’re there to try to win the one-on-ones. So it’s always a good challenge to come up week in, week out, and face the best players in the VFL at the moment.”
Williams had 18 score involvements and 12 tackles and was named Coburg’s Lion of the Round against the Zebras in torrential rain – conditions he’s used to coming from the Yarra Valley. The level-headed young gun says that while he’s trying to shut down his opponent, he’s also learning and picking up new things to add to his game.
“Little things like when to hold out when you’re not going to have an impact – you can either be the second disposal instead of always being the one that’s winning the football,” he says.
“They’re some of the things that you pick up from the likes of Jones and others.”
Williams joined TAC Cup side Eastern Rangers from his local Yarra Valley Mountain District club Woori Yallock. He managed just five appearances as a bottom-age player but was named as the Rangers’ vice-captain the next season and went on to play every game. He also got his first taste of VFL football, playing the last two rounds of Bendigo’s season as 23rd man.
After moving to Sorrento, Williams’s TAC Cup coaches organized for him to begin training with Frankston. He made the Dolphins’ list but couldn’t consolidate a senior spot, spending most of his time in the development side or playing for Woori Yallock before joining Coburg this year. But, Williams admits, it wasn’t an easy decision initially.
“After going back and playing local for a bit it was a tough decision just because we’d won three flags in a row down there so it was a bit hard to leave at the time,” he explains.
“Coburg was the perfect fit, a new young club and I already knew a few people down there so that’s always helpful.
“I just wanted to give it another shot and see if I could find myself on a VFL list and actually playing in the VFL rather than development league.
Williams has played seven senior games so far in season 2015. He says improving his kicking efficiency and decision-making are key to locking down a spot in the senior side but, when surrounded by inspirational figures every week, Williams is always pushing himself to do better.
“I look up Nick Carnell and Daniel Venditti at Coburg. They’re such good leaders and the way they go about their footy and their professionalism is something that a young football club like Coburg needs.
“With them at the top, we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”