IT’S NO secret that 2023 was as difficult as they come for Zac Williams.

In a footballing sense, his year finished before it even began with an ACL injury as pre-season approached its culmination. And in his personal life, he was deeply affected by the passing of his sister Sammy after her battle with cancer.

After that time, Williams was in at IKON Park, supporting his teammates and undergoing his rehabilitation while the Blues embarked on a memorable finals series. And while he wanted to help those around him at the footy club, there was no denying that internally, he was going through a battle.

“It’s pretty well-documented since being here I did my knee and went through some family stuff as well. There was a period of time where I probably wasn’t enjoying football - I didn’t want to be here and I just wanted to be around my family,” Williams said.

“But over the last couple of years, I’ve worked my backside off to get where I need to be.”

That year was 2025, where Williams - after his comeback season of 2024 - produced his most consistent season in Navy Blue.

Playing initially as a forward, Williams also spent considerable time in the midfield in the absence of Sam Walsh.

While his form line was strong, the thing which stuck out the most was the smile was there for all to see on Williams’ face - despite the trying year for the football club.

“The more you’re out there, the more you want to be out there. Even in a difficult year like this year from a team standpoint, I’ve really tried to find silver linings in being out there, playing footy and being around the boys.

“As much of a disappointing year as it has been, I’ve really tried to enjoy the little moments as much as I can.”

That love of the game hasn’t dissipated, but rather energised Williams throughout his 22-goal season which also saw him lead the team for goal assists.

A defender for so long in his career, the joy and exuberance on Williams’ face whenever he - or, indeed, a teammate - kicked a goal was infectious.

You’d think he would be used to that by now, given he has spent the last year and a half as a forward. And yet, that’s not the case at all.

“Even when I was in the back line, every time there was a goal kicked I had a fist in the air or was trying to celebrate with someone next to me.

“I spent so many years in the backline that I didn’t really get near the goals, so sometimes I feel a bit lost if I kick a goal or I’m down in the forward line and someone else kicks a goal. I don’t really know where to run.

“Those young boys that came in during the back end of the year, when a goal is kicked they really energised the boys and the crowd. I do love a little bit of a celebration, so when they would celebrate it would get me up and about.”