Leigh Williams – Part Two
THE HOMECOMING
By Aaron Kirkby-Rodier – @AzKirkby9
Being back at Mullum Reserve at the end of 2013 wasn’t all smooth for Williams. With a torrid time on and off the field through the year he was really keen to just take the rest of the season off.
“I really just wanted to just have the rest of the year off but got talked into finishing it off at Norwood. To be honest I was enjoying footy at all, Knighta (Denis Knight) was on my back about not really training hard and I had a discussing with him about maybe giving somebody else ago if I wasn’t putting in.”
Norwood had a solid season making the finals, winning a final and would eventually lose to Noble Park but for Williams finals footy would be the moment that turned it all around.
“We made the finals and ended up losing to Noble but playing on that stage again I got that passion back. You obviously want to perform well in finals.”
Once the season was done Williams had time to get his body right and enjoy a break on footy trip. On his return the motivation was certainly back.
“It was important to get away on footy trip and have some time away from the game. The break also helped with my injuries and making sure I was ready to go for the start of preseason.”
“When I first came back to Norwood I only probably knew ten people so having Fingers(Poynton), Bate and Gysberts come down made a difference not just for their football ability but they’re all mates of mine.”
Williams trained strongly through the preseason and was feeling good about his body.
“I was really enjoying my footy again, I don’t think I missed a preseason training session and I was feeling really fit.”
Heading into the season there was a lot of hope around Norwood with the inclusions along with existing talent.
“I don’t think any of the boys would of said we will be playing on grand final day with 100% confidence but we certainly felt it was our best chance for a while.”
“I think we thought we could finish top three and we could beat those bigger teams.”
Norwood would win eight straight before facing the reigning premiers Balwyn after beating Noble Park and Vermont in the earlier rounds confidence was high.
“Once we beat Noble and Vermont I think that’s when we thought we could go on and make the grand final but then we beat Balwyn and went nine and zip and that’s when we thought we could actually go on and win this.”
Williams wouldn’t play in Round 9 and expected a long stint on sidelines after reinjuring the ankle that plagued him through 2013.
“I missed the Balwyn game and probably the next ten or so I sort of thought I may not even make it back for finals because I had redone that injury and the rehab involved.”
Williams knew that if he was to play finals on the bigger Bayswater Oval he would need to play at least two games before the first week.
“I said to Knighta that I needed probably two games before finals especially playing on quality opposition like Pendlebury and on the bigger ground, even if that meant coming back a bit early.”
In Williams return games he would play Balwyn and East Ringwood, struggling to change direction by his own admission Pendlebury got the better of him.
Norwood would finish on top of the table only losing two games for the season both when Williams was out.
“It definitely helped having the first week of the finals off, the two games I had back were difficult the ankle was sore and to be honest the Balwyn game Pendlebury gave me a bath.”
The week break helped not only Williams with plenty of sore players around the club. Awaiting the Norseman would be second placed Vermont for a spot in the Grand Final.
“The boys were all pretty sore, it was important for me to get the extra k’s in my legs as well.”
Norwood would defeat Vermont in a sensational game to move on to the Grand Final and gain another week’s break while Vermont and Balwyn would face off a week later. Just making the EFL Division 1 Grand Final had a profound effect on the club.
“We were pretty stoked to make the Grand Final and just all the people around the club some that hadn’t even pulled on a jumper were just ecstatic I remember Team Manager Bernie Blair was crying after the semi.”
Grand Final day came around and the Norseman would face off against Balwyn a team striving for a three-peat.
Going into the game Williams felt their chances were increased playing the Tigers.
“I was probably more nervous to play Vermont then Balwyn. I think Balwyn had a tough run in as well as they had a few injuries and guys going in underdone. We had a full list to pick from and I think most of the boys would have been pretty confident that we were going to win.”
Norwood would win running away with the game and Williams the best player on the ground.
“Obviously it was a good feeling winning the premiership and knowing you’d played your role and contributed on the day. We had a lot of good players, I don’t think we lost many positions on the ground. When the midfield has a good day I’m going to see a lot of the ball.”
“I don’t mind letting some of the cheeky younger guys like Zac McCubbin know that I’ve got two medals and they only have one.”
After the game Williams spoke of how the boys felt after a massive achievement not just for the players but the club as a whole.
“It was special I think most of the players would say its one if not the best footballing achievement of their careers. I think it was the best week of my life after it, being together for about four days not just the seniors but the 2’s and the 19’s as well just all celebrating together.”
“We pride ourselves on being a family club its great to see our junior kids with the Norwood jumpers on. All the former players and fans coming down to be there just shows what a special place it is and the great atmosphere the club has.”
Williams finished off the season with the ultimate prize and hopes the Norseman will be right there again when the whips are cracking in 2015