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June 28, 2006
Paul Williams Calls It a Day.
In somewhat sad news for the club, but at the same time not totally unexpected news, Paul Williams has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
He has cited moving back to Melbourne as a major reason for the decision but also felt he didn't want to play on for another season and harm what is a fantasic playing career by going on that one season longer.
"It is time for me to go back to Melbourne as my kids are missing their grandparents, so there are a few family reasons as well as footy reasons," said Williams
and
"I have always said to Roosy that some guys play a year too long and I definitely didn't want to be one of those. Perhaps I might have been able to play on again next year, but not at the level I wanted to."
Last year, after 294 matches, the most of any player in VFL/AFL history he finally tasted premiership glory. Besides that match he rates the 12-point victory over premiership favourites Port Adelaide in the 2003 qualifying final as a standout match.
"I tend to think back to the games that have meant the most, but other than the significance of the grand final last year, the belief and the character that the boys showed in that final in Adelaide against Port was the stepping-stone to where the group is now," he said.
Paul has been a fantastic for this club and certainly was worth the 1st Round Pick we gave up to get him. Off the field he has opened up his home to young players just new to the club and made them feel welcome and did this when he was going though the hard personal times. That show the make up of Paul Williams. His leadersip was such that he was considered for the captaincy in 2003 to take over from Paul Kelly after just 2 season with the club.
He will be missed.
PAUL WILLIAMS - FACT FILE
AGE: 33
DRAFTED: Collingwood 1989 (Pick #70) from North Hobart
DEBUT: 1991 Collingwood – 2001 Sydney Swans
GAMES: 303 (189 Collingwood, 114 Sydney Swans)
GOALS: 305
HONOURS: Sydney Swans Club Champion 2001, 2002. All Australian 2003. Sydney Swans Premiership side 2005.
Posted by robbieando at June 28, 2006 12:56 AM