Carlton is anxiously awaiting news on the fitness of their high-profile midfielder, Zac Williams, who exited the match against the Western Bulldogs with an injury during the second quarter on Friday night.
Williams showcased his talent early in the game with a remarkable play; he gathered the ball at centre-half back, sprinted through the centre square, and delivered an accurate kick to an unmarked Charlie Curnow. Curnow then successfully converted the set shot from approximately 45 metres out. Unfortunately, later in the quarter, Williams sustained a left Achilles tendon injury after landing awkwardly while attempting to mark the ball against Bulldogs defender Harvey Gallagher. Consequently, he was substituted out of the game due to Achilles soreness.
Before his substitution, the 30-year-old had recorded eight disposals and was replaced by defender Jordan Boyd. Williams has a history of Achilles-related injuries; he previously ruptured his left Achilles tendon while training with GWS in January 2018, which kept him out of action until the elimination final against Sydney. In 2022, he endured a similar setback at Carlton when he tore his left calf, causing him to miss 12 games. Most recently, Williams had to sit out the entirety of the 2023 season after suffering an ACL injury late in the pre-season.
Following his transition from GWS to Carlton after the 2020 season, Williams signed a lucrative six-year deal rumoured to be worth $800,000 per year. As Carlton looks ahead, the impact of Williams’ potential absence looms large, raising concerns about the team’s midfield depth. Further updates on his condition are expected soon.