GWS defender Zac Williams out to get the better of good friend and star Lion Charlie Cameron
They might be great mates off the field, but when the ball is bounced between GWS and Brisbane, all bets are off for Zac Williams and Charlie Cameron.
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Zac Williams is determined to shut down the “excitement machine” that is his good mate Charlie Cameron at Giants Stadium.
The Brisbane Lions arrive level on points with the hosts and Williams admits it is a huge opportunity to put some daylight between them.
Despite the gutting late loss to Essendon last week, Williams, currently averaging a career-high 23.5 disposals, earnt full marks from both coach Leon Cameron and Bombers boss John Worsfold.
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While happy to receive recognition, the 24-year-old felt his contribution was far from perfect and he still ended up on the losing side.
“I critiqued my own game and felt I made a few mistakes and there’s always things to work on, but of course when you receive some praise from coaches or your teammates you feel good about it,” Williams said.
“Essendon did the basic fundamentals a lot better than we did in the last two minutes of the game and that’s something you need to recognise and learn from that.
“You look to the next game and this one is a really important one for both sides. We’re fourth, they’re fifth and we want to get that win, especially back in front of our own fans.
“Brisbane have got a lot of young talent, we know it’s going to be a tough game but we have to get the job done.”
Cameron is earning plaudits for his displays, rightly so according to Williams, and is currently ninth in the race for the Coleman Medal with 27 goals. He’s also inside the competition’s top 20 for score involvements.
“Charlie and I are pretty good mates,” Williams said. “We’ve been together on several (AFL) indigenous camps. But, in saying that, friendship goes out the door when you step out on the field.
“There’ll be a bit of talk between us, I’m sure but all in good competitive spirit. You don’t want to lose to your mates, do you, as they’ll have one over you. I’m sure he’ll have the same mindset so it should be a good contest. He’s been absolutely flying this year. I’ve loved watching him on TV. He’s an excitement machine. He can kick goals from anywhere and he’s lightning quick.”
After putting injury behind him, Williams is feeling fresh and positive as the Giants pursue their first flag.
“I had heaps of growth sitting on the sidelines and watching the game from a different aspect and I think I’m getting back into my groove now,” he said. “I’m getting a lot of help from my teammates, so all credit to them.”
Originally published as GWS defender Zac Williams out to get the better of good friend and star Lion Charlie Cameron
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