Ballarat League: Jason Williams appointed as Bacchus Marsh’s new coach

Bacchus Marsh has appointed a former The Recruit contestant as its new coach but he isn’t worried about his less experience.

Jason Williams isn’t phased by being one of the Ballarat league’s youngest coaches.

It’s all part of what is set to come with the job after the 29-year-old was appointed Bacchus Marsh’s new senior coach.

Williams’ first full time senior coaching role will see him take over from Tom German at the Cobras.

He has previously been an assistant with the Calder Cannons and Northern Bullants after retiring from playing in 2018 after an ACL injury.

And there’s one key reason he believes his age is an advantage and not a disadvantage.

“I’ve played a high level of football and coached a high level of football so (experience) is not an issue,” Williams said.

“The one thing I have over most over coaches, is the fact I am 29, I am extremely relatable to the players, I understand what they are going through and I understand how players and young players like to learn at the moment.

“I’ve just finished playing five years ago so I’m very aware of what players are going through.

“I see it as a strength rather than a weakness I haven’t considered it as anything other than that.”

Jason Williams during his Calder Cannons days.

Williams’ own experience as a player speaks for itself.

He spent time with three VFL clubs including playing in Port Melbourne’s losing grand final in 2013.

Williams also appeared on popular TV show The Recruit in 2018.

And he knows how important a strong connection between players and club is.

“When I sat down with Ricky Miller (from the club), I got a good gauge of how much he cared about the club and where it is currently at,” he said.

“In the past I’ve had family play for the club, so I had a fair understanding of the community feel and stuff like that.

“That was the big drawing card for me, to build on the culture that is already there and leave the footy club in a better place than I found it.

“I’m really keen on building on culture and developing the kids that are coming through.”

Williams said his first focus job was to see the players he had to work with.

“I haven’t tried to steal or take any players from the environments I’ve been from,” Williams said.

“I understand they are playing for a higher purpose and a higher hope to play the highest level they can.

“I want them to pursue the highest level they can, but if they need a local football club I’m happy to provide that.

“In the short-term, the next one to two weeks, it is about looking at the young kids and try to get some older players that might help Jake Owen, Daniel Burton and Tyson Shea and take some of the pressure off their shoulders with leaderships.

Bacchus Marsh’s Jake Owen will be one of the most senior players at the club next year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In 2022, Bacchus Marsh missed finals by one game and percentage.

But Williams stopped short of saying finals was a goal.

“They are a very young side so it’s hard to tell what you are going to get regularly so the standards are going to be super important to help us get a few of those close games over the line.

“Players have left the club so we’ve got to build our list again in a sense.”