Zachary Williams

Zachary Williams (born 20 September 1994) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A utility, 1.85 metres tall and weighing 84 kilograms, Williams also plays as a defender and mid-fielder. Williams previously represented the Greater Western Sydney Football Club, playing 113 games over eight seasons from 2013 to 2020. He was recruited by Greater Western Sydney as the 54th pick in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft, making his debut in round five of the 2013 AFL season. Williams earned a nomination for the 2013 AFL Rising Star award and has played the 14th most games for Greater Western Sydney Club. His father died when he was six years old, and his mother was left to raise him as well as his older sister Samantha. Williams' father grew up playing rugby league, but chose to enrol Williams in Auskick as soon as he was old enough. His father believed he was more suited for the game. For financial reasons, William's mother asked him to pick just one sport at age 15. Williams played in the 2012 Riverina Football League grand final, and was recognised as the best afield. Williams was unsuccessful in the 2012 National draft selection. Later, he was chosen by Greater Western Sydney Giants in the 2012 Rookie Draft as pick 55. He became the first academy graduate to join GWS's list. In round five of the 2013 AFL season, Williams made his debut at age 18, representing Greater Western Sydney Giants against the Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval. Williams went on to play 11 games that season, and earned the round 19 nomination for the 2013 AFL Rising Star award.

2015 season On 30 May 2015, the Greater Western Sydney Giants wore specially designed Indigenous themed guernseys in their game against the Western Bulldogs to commemorate the 2015 Indigenous Round. Williams was one of six Indigenous players on the team. In the second half of the 2015 season, Williams shifted positions and played as an attacking Backman.

2016 season Williams represented the 22 under 22 team in the 2016 season, playing as a back. He received the unofficial title of Most Underrated player in 2016, given by champion data. He was seventh in line for the best and fairest award for Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2016. Following injuries of Steve Johnson and Devon Smith, Williams then played as a forward and responded with three goals against Essendon in round 11. Williams returned to the season in the 2018 elimination-final against Sydney Swans, with disposables (23) and kicks (20). On 30 September 2020, Williams accepted a six-year contract, valued at $900,000 a season from Carlton Football Club, after Greater Western Sydney Giants chose to not match the bid. Williams plans on playing as a midfielder in his career with Carlton, after showing great potential in the 2019 preliminary final against Collingwood.

2021 season On 20 January, Williams was given his new guernsey number at Carlton, the no.6, previously worn by Kade Simpson. Williams missed the Round 1 opener against Richmond after a bump in a preseason match landed him a one match ban for rough conduct.

Statistics Updated to the end of round 22, 2026.

183 !! 71 !! 48 !! 2208 !! 1127 !! 3335 !! 694 !! 488 !! 0.4 !! 0.3 !! 12.1 !! 6.2 !! 18.2 !! 3.8 !! 2.7 !! 16