EMERGING defender Tom Williamson has committed to remain in the Navy Blue guernsey for at least the next two seasons.

Williamson has signed until the end of the 2022 season following a year which saw the 21-year-old cement his place in Carlton’s back six.

Resilience and determination are two words which jump out to describe Williamson’s first four years at the elite level.

After playing 15 games in his debut season since being selected with pick No.61 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, two games in two years followed due to injury. 

However his ability to rise above that challenge, earn his spot back and feature in 15 games in 2020 is a testament to Williamson’s character.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said that Blues fans would enjoy seeing Williamson continue to get better in the coming years.

“Tom has been tested mentally and physically in his first four seasons at AFL level and to come out the other side and produce the season he did, after just about two years out of the game, was very impressive,” Austin said.

“He worked incredibly hard to earn his spot and no doubt he would have enjoyed a lot of growth this year playing alongside our experienced players down back.

“Tom is also a competitor who never takes a backwards step. That is what we, and no doubt our members, love about him. With still only 32 games under his belt, we’re excited to see Tom continue to get better in the next few seasons and take his game to the next level.”