West Coast Forward Jack Williams Highlights Competition as Key Driver for Improvement
West Coast tall forward Jack Williams has emphasized that competition for places in the senior side is a significant factor in driving the development of the club's young group of key position players. Speaking after a standout performance in the WAFL, Williams expressed confidence that his strong form could soon earn him an AFL recall.
Williams' Journey and Current Form
Williams, aged 22, played 13 games for the Eagles at AFL level last season, bringing his career total to 42 matches over four years. However, he has started the current campaign in the reserves, with 2025 No.4 draft pick Cooper Duff-Tytler and Archer Reid preferred for forward-ruck roles. This shift has not deterred Williams, who responded by kicking four goals in the WAFL to inspire a comeback win over West Perth, following the Eagles' Gather Round loss to Geelong where the duo managed only six disposals combined.
In an interview with The West Australian, Williams stated, "We've got a lot of young, skilled talls in the AFL team, so it's good to have selection pressure. It helps us all get better." He added that he needs to keep working hard and sticking to his strengths, with hopes for more opportunities as the season progresses.
Adapting to New Roles and Team Dynamics
During the WAFL season, Williams has occasionally been deployed in a defensive role similar to that played by Jobe Shanahan in the senior side. While he feels most comfortable inside the attacking 50-metre arc, Williams views this as a valuable addition to his skill set. He explained, "It's more just a game-plan scenario that we fall into as a team. It's not necessarily switching down back, it's just sending a spare player behind the ball. Sometimes it's me, sometimes it's someone else. At AFL level, Jobe usually does it, so it's another string to the bow, playing that role."
Williams also praised the contribution of premiership defender Tom Cole, who was dropped to the WAFL after the season-opening loss to Gold Coast. Cole led the team with 28 disposals in the win over West Perth, and Williams noted, "It's awesome to have someone of his experience and calibre in the back six. You can hear him across the whole field, he really directs everyone. I think he really helped us get going in the third quarter, his attack on the ball was elite."
Looking Ahead for West Coast
The competitive environment at West Coast is fostering growth among its key position players, with Williams serving as a prime example of how resilience and performance in the WAFL can pave the way for AFL opportunities. As the season unfolds, the Eagles will likely continue to benefit from this internal rivalry, aiming to strengthen their lineup and improve results on the field.
