Williams embracing leadership role at ‘Roos

Clarence star Jessie Williams has made a blistering start to the West Point TSLW in a young ‘Roos side, writes Grant Jessup. 

Formerly a soccer player, the former North Melbourne rookie sits third on the TSLW goalkicking leaderboard with 14 goals from seven rounds.

The young gun has taken a team-first approach in her first TSLW season with a possible AFLW debut not at the front of her mind.

“I’ve only played 14 games now, really early days in my career. I’m looking forward to what opportunities I can get.”

“At the moment, I’m focussing on our team, a really new and inexperienced side, so it’s been really nice to work with girls who are fresh to footy,” she said.

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Williams is enjoying her role as a mentor for the younger, inexperienced ‘Roos with the Eastern Shore side experiencing an injection of new talent due to substantial list turnover.

“I tend to be sort of a one on one person in terms of trying to help out players on things, their strengths, which I actually really like doing.”

She took part in first football pre-season with Clarence earlier this year and has no regrets about changing codes.

“This season was going to be a little bit unexpected, being my first season in TSLW.”

“It’s the first season off [soccer] since I was six years old. It’s a bit of a change but [I’m] not regretting it,” she said.

The ‘Roos have made a solid start to the season despite their list turnover, currently sitting third on the ladder.

“A really good start to the season with a brand-new bunch of girls,” she said.

“I think we’ve got almost eight new girls this season.”

Williams who can play as a forward or in the midfield believes her side can achieve anything this season.

“[We are] pretty happy with how we’ve started off,” she said.

“I think we’re only just getting to know what we are able to achieve.”