Brave Stephanie Williams showed her class at Darwin Buffettes when dealing with tragedy before being picked up by Geelong Cats

STEPH Williams’ former under-18 Buffettes coach Natalie Althouse believes Geelong’s No.27 pick from Tuesday night’s AFLW Draft has a “ridiculous” level of mental strength.This was clearly evident on grand final day in the 2018-19 season when the star forward pulled her teammates together for a pivotal and inspirational address before the game after hitting rock bottom due to a family tragedy. But she then lifted Darwin to victory before picking up the best player on the ground.

Buffettes junior Steph Williams now lives on campus at Geelong College and was taken at pick No.27 by the Cats in the 2020 AFLW Draft on Tuesday night. She is also wanting to study to be a social worker to bridge the gap in Indigenous communities. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

STEPH Williams’ former under-18 Buffettes coach Natalie Althouse believes Geelong’s No.27 pick from Tuesday night’s AFLW Draft has a “ridiculous” level of mental strength.

This was clearly evident on grand final day in the 2018-19 season.

“Steph flew in to Darwin on Friday night before the under-18 grand final and we all knew what happened that day,” Althouse told the NT News.

That was when her older sister and No.1 supporter Karina took her life.

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“I told Steph the last thing she needed to worry about was playing a football game, and that no one could begin to comprehend what she was going through,” Althouse said.

“But she pulled all her teammates together and addressed them before the game, which was a pivotal moment.

“And she told them ‘never think you’re alone – there’s always someone you can reach out to’.

“She was only 16 or 17 when she did that.

“Then she went out and got the best on ground.

“She is so confident and composed for her age (Williams is now 18).

“She never panics and is always so composed, and we would play her all over the field.”

A humble Williams said a little bit of luck helped her get picked up by the Cats, after some recruitment staff happened to see her play in Darwin while on a holiday.

But Althouse put her selection down to hard work and natural talent.

“It’s not luck which has led to this. She went down to Geelong and showed her ability (for Geelong Falcons) in the NAB League,” Althouse said.

“I’m also so happy for Janet Baird (the Palmerston star going to the Gold Coast with their 54th pick). She’s also worked so hard and overcome setbacks and injuries,” Althouse said.