Williams secures contract extension with Kangaroos

Revitalised defender Marley Williams has been rewarded for his terrific form since being traded from Collingwood last season, earning a one-year contract extension at his new club North Melbourne last week.

Williams, a former North Albany junior, was drafted by the Magpies in 2011 after a season at WAFL level with Claremont, where he played 13 colts games and two league matches.

The rebounding defender made his debut in 2012 and finished up playing 68 games for the Magpies before he was traded to the Kangaroos last year in exchange for pick 105.

Since the switch, Williams has thrived down back for the Kangaroos, playing the first 13 games of the season before a back injury forced him out of the clash with Gold Coast in round 14 and kept him on the sidelines against Fremantle at the weekend.

The 23-year-old initially signed a two-year deal when joining the Kangaroos but his contract extension will ensure he remains at the club until the end of 2019.

“I’ve loved everything about North and feel right at home at the club,” Williams said.

“There’s a lot to like about this footy club, the players, the environment and what lies ahead but I’m really happy with the contract extension and owe North a hell of a lot.

“It’s a great show of faith to me by the club and some reward for the effort I have been putting in.

“I’m thrilled to be able to get an extra year.

“It’s been a fresh start and I’ve been able to play every game prior to hurting my back.

“The change of scenery has really helped with starting over and freshening up.

“I started back at the bottom and have tried to work my way back to the top.”

Meanwhile in the WAFL, Great Southern pair Declan McNamara and Beau Ewen were named among the best players for Claremont in their colts win over South Fremantle last Saturday.

Ex-Royals junior McNamara had 24 possessions, 10 tackles and four marks while Railways product Ewen also impressed with 15 disposals and three tackles.

Other Great Southern players to run out for Claremont in the colts were Denmark-Walpole’s Josh Devitt-Boyd (two goals), North Albany trio Rhett Lloyd (20 possessions), Addison Dew (12 touches) and Mitch Lenegan (eight marks), Railways youngster Jordan Clark (14 possessions), Borden’s Lewis Davis (17 hit outs) and Royals’ Broady Linthorne (eight touches).