The former Geelong Falcon is joined on the list of new recruits thus far by ex-Bendigo Gold winger Matthew Farrelly and Leopold defender Tom Ruggles.
26 year-old Williams was drafted to the Power with pick 83 in the 2006 National Draft and went onto to play 2 AFL matches before being delisted at the end of the 2008 season. He then signed on with his ‘home’ SANFL club – Central Districts, where he went onto to play 150 senior games and was an integral part of three premiership sides.
After a distinguished career with the powerhouse South Australian club - that included being runner up in this year’s best and fairest award - the Anglesea local and former St Joseph’s student has decided to move home and continue his state career at VFL level.
The VFL Cats have also agreed to terms with former Bendigo Gold speedster Matthew Farrelly.
Farrelly, who was recruited to the Gold from Echuca, played all 36 games with the stand alone club in the past two seasons, kicked 12 goals and was named in the best players on 13 occasions.
The fleet footed 21 year-old was picked as part of the initial 2013 Victorian State Squad and took part in the AFL Victoria Young Guns game in both 2012 and 2013.
Former Geelong Falcon Tom Ruggles joins the VFL Cats after a terrific season at GFL level with the emerging Leopold Lions. The 22 year-old was named on the Half Back Flank in the 2014 GFL Team of the Year and arrives at Simonds Stadium with previous VFL experience having played 17 senior and 31 development league matches with the Werribee Tigers between 2011 and 2013.
The new signings come on the back of a host of players recommitting to the VFL Cats for 2015, including club stalwart Jack Hollmer who has signed on for a 9th season at the Cattery.
Hollmer, who last year broke the record for the most number of games by a Geelong VFL listed player, will now look to add to his tally of 97 VFL games.
The 29 year-old who has just finished playing a stint in Darwin with NFTL club Wanderers, will return to training alongside a number of familiar faces with fellow 2014 squad members Ben Raidme (69 VFL games), Tom Maas (43), Daniel Gibbs (28), Mitch Herbison (22), Cameron Tudor (6), James Linton (5), Zak Sherman (5) and Tom Atkins (5) all playing on with the Cats next season.
Raidme, who was named in the 2013 VFL Team of the Year, will be something of a new recruit after missing the entire 2014 season with a serious knee injury.
A number of other players from last seasons playing list will commence training with the pre-season squad on the 17th of November at Simonds Stadium.
2012 VFL premiership player Dom Gleeson (Torquay), ever-reliable ruckman Andrew Banjanin (St Mary’s) and experienced utility Chris Lynch (Bell Park) are all confirmed departures at this early stage.
