Best Game
Williams was one of the stars of the GIANTS' 2016 campaign with his run and carry from half-back a joy to watch throughout the season.
While he was outstanding in the GIANTS' Qualifying Final against Sydney, his best performance came in the GIANTS’ round eight win over the Gold Coast Suns.
The 22-year-old GIANTS Academy product polled two Brownlow Medal votes as he collected a career-high 31 disposals, took eight marks and sent the ball inside 50 nine times.
After a number of seasons in and out of the senior side, Williams proved he is a star in the making as he also directly assisted in two goals during the GIANTS' thumping 91-point win.
GIANT Moment
Finals are made for GIANT Moments and Zac Williams produced a stunner in the Qualifying Final.
With five minutes remaining in the second quarter and scores tied, Sydney midfielder Tom Mitchell sent a high ball to the top of the Swans goal square.
The ball dropped spilled from a marking contest to Sydney’s Josh Kennedy who was poised to put his side into a six-point lead.
Williams was having none of that.
Using every bit of his strength, Williams dived onto Kennedy with a tackle that not only stopped him from getting a shot on goal away but from dishing off a handball to one of three waiting teammates.
The umpire called holding the ball and a minute later the GIANTS hit the lead with a goal through Lachie Whitfield.
2016 Season Stats
Games – 22 (Most in a season)
Goals – 4
Brownlow Medal Votes – 2 (First ever Brownlow votes)
Sheedy Medal Votes – 129 (7th)
Disposals – 456
Marks – 96
Tackles – 67
Clearances – 36
Inside 50s - 74
Rebounds - 60
What to expect in 2017
2016 was a milestone season for the GIANTS and for Williams.
The 22-year-old played 22 games for the season, his most in four years at the GIANTS, and polled his first ever Brownlow Medal votes.
We also learned a whole heap more about the young GIANT known affectionately as ‘The King of Narrandera’.
You could only expect more of the same from Williams in 2017, given consistency was the word most commonly associated with the young GIANT throughout 2016.
The footballing public also noticed Williams’ growth in 2016 after he was voted into the AFL Players’ Associations 22under22 team.
