Williams keeps working

ON THE eve of the AFL national draft, Echuca’s Jordan Williams was doing what he has done a lot of the past few years - kicking the footy around.Williams was sweating it out at the Echuca Bombers start to their pre-season campaign.By tonight the Bendigo Pioneers and Echuca on-baller may be bound for the big league when the AFL national draft is held from 6.30pm.Work ethic has played a big part in Williams’ ascent to being a key player for the Pioneers, and also for NSW-ACT at the past two national under-18 championships.He also excelled in the sprints at the national draft camp run at the Australian Institute of Sport.“The repetitive sprints were one of my best results,’’ Williams said of what was a gruelling run of fitness and skills tests.Another highlight was his beep test.“Sprints are what I worked on a lot leading up to the draft camp.’’Ball-winning ability and defensive efforts were features of his play for the Mark Ellis-coached Pioneers.“I have had four or five AFL clubs speak to me, but now it’s just a matter of waiting and hoping my name is called out,’’ Williams said of tonight’s draft selection.“I have barracked for Richmond growing up, but would be rapt to go to any club.’’The young football star has racked up many kilometres travelling to matches, training, and selection trials - as have his parents, Phil and Karen.This year he also juggled football commitments with Year 12 VCE studies at Echuca College.“It’s been a big commitment the past few years, but I have really enjoyed the challenge, learnt a lot, and, hopefully, will be chosen by an AFL club,’’ Jordan Williams said.In the Phantom Draft penned by Matt Burgan on the AFL website, Williams was listed as being a target for Carlton at pick 59.If the Blues take a punt on Williams, then Carlton fans will be rapt to see the famous surname back at the club.Dual Brownlow medallist Greg Williams first played for Golden Square in the Bendigo Football League and went on to star in the AFL with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton. Greg Williams earned selection in The Advertiser Sports Star of the Year Hall of Fame. The long-running awards are proudly supported by WIN Television and RegionalOne Credit Union.