EFL: Norwood champion Leigh Williams stars again on the interleague stage with seven goals against GFL

NORWOOD star Leigh Williams marked his 28th birthday in style, turning in another star showing for the Eastern Football League on the interleague stage.

Leigh Williams boots one of his seven goals. Picture: James Ross/AAP

YOU could have excused Steve Cochrane for having a few headaches before Saturday’s interleague clash.

Vermont star forwards Brett Eddy and Jake Best were late withdrawals from the final 25-man squad, leaving the Eastern Football League decidedly thinner on star power.

But Cochrane should not have feared for he still had Norwood spearhead Leigh Williams to roam the forward line.

For the second consecutive year, Williams turned in a star showing on the interleague stage, booting seven goals in a matchwinning performance against Geelong on Saturday.

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Leigh Williams boots 10 goals as Norwood thrashes Noble Park

Norwood key forward Leigh Williams boots 11 goals

He had three goals by midway through the first term before finishing with two late majors, marking his 28th birthday in style.

Leigh Williams with his best-on-ground medal last year. Picture: Stuart Milligan

It followed his best afield performance against Essendon District last year when he kicked four goals as the EFL held on for a nailbiting win.

Williams’ efforts under the roof at Etihad Stadium helped the EFL reach the No.1 ranking in the AFL Victoria Community Championships for the first time, ending Geelong’s six-year reign in the competition.

Williams said he always made himself available to represent the EFL.

“From memory I think I’ve only missed one (game) and that was due to injury,” Williams said.

“For me personally you get to play with Chandler medallists, like (Chris) Annakis ... you’ve probably got four or five team best and fairest winners.”

Williams said it was satisfying to be able to lift the EFL from the No.3 ranked competition to No.1 in the past two years.

“I don’t think I played in the game against Geelong last time (in 2016) but playing against Western (Region), Essendon (District) and the VAFA a couple of years ago, it’s good to be a part of it from the journey and not just come in for the kill,” he said.

“I always view it as a bit of a break up, especially my past couple of years we haven’t been going so good (at Norwood) so for me personally I’ve been looking forward to these games and not having to think too much about it.”