Zac Williams only played two AFL games in 2018, a season that some would say is a failure.

Not for Williams.

After being sidelined for seven months with a ruptured achilles in January 2018, the 24-year-old returned to play a major part in the GIANTS’ finals series.

Speaking on GIANTS podcast The Footy Phil – hosted by co-captain Phil Davis and GIANTS Media’s Alison Zell – the dashing defender said after initially being in a “dark place”, he sees many positives from his time on the sidelines.

“Going through the whole rehab process and being in a (moon) boot, I was sitting and watching games,” he said.

“I was very impatient, I wanted to play every game, to train and do extras, that sort of thing.

“I think that not being able to do certain things that taught me to be patient and I think that will go a long way in terms of my leadership and maturity. 

“It was a really successful year, but in saying that I only got back for a couple of games and the whole club wishes we went a bit further, but I would say getting back to play was pretty successful.”

Now just days out from round one of the 2019 season, Williams has completed his seventh pre-season and is looking forward to having another successful year.

“There are a lot more numbers out on the track this pre-season I think you can see the switch in mindset that the boys have attacked this pre-season,” he said. 

“There’s less complaining about the running, there’s no bickering about it, we’re just saying ‘let’s get it done, it’s good for the rest of the season’”. 

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Williams is also positive about the new crop of GIANTS who arrived through the draft and free agency period.

The GIANTS Academy graduate said the increased competition for places will only help the club to improve. 

“I think there’s good healthy competition, there are forty blokes training and playing at the moment,” he said. 

“Whether they’re first or second year, they’re actually coming out chirpy and putting their hand up for a spot. 

“Them pushing for a spot will make the senior boys do a bit extra and a bit of healthy competition for spots, will go a long way this year.”