BOASTING a powerful kick and great strength, Tasmanian Mackenzie Williams is the standout AFLW Draft prospect from the Apple Isle this year. Williams has long been among the draft talents for 2024, having represented the Devils and Allies for the past three years and really shone as that intercepting and rebounding defender.

However in 2024, Williams got a taste in the other two thirds of the ground, and we spoke to the North Hobart prospect at the National Draft Combine about her game, and experiences this year.

Q: Mackenzie, tell us a bit about your year this year?

MW: “I feel like my year was pretty good, played pretty consistently. Every game I obviously played for the Devils, Allies games were difficult to play in, but enjoyable games, good experience. Obviously a very good experience playing in the National Academy, great experience playing there good to meet lots of new girls, get to see how everyone else plays and how they work outside the field. It’s been a really good year.”

Q: You had a stint in the midfield this year, how’d you’d go with that?

MW: “I got thrown in there a little bit to more just get the ball out of there with my kick. Obviously would love to learn the position a lot more, learn the structure around it. Hopefully in the coming years I can do that.”

Q: You went forward as well in the game against Gippsland Power, how was that?

MW: “I’ve liked learning other positions this year, lots of variety where you can play, it’s been really good.”

Q: From own game, what are some of your strengths?

MW: “I’d say my strengths are probably my competitiveness and the strength in the air and on ground. I’d also say my penetrating kick is the big strength of mine, and also my ability to read the play, intercept the ball coming into the backline.”

Q: What improvements are you looking to make?

MW: “Big thing I want to improve on is my endurance to obviously be at that AFLW standard. Also just work on those fundamentals, like short kicking and managing to hit a target with all my kicks.”

Q: Moving interstate, how does that sit with you?

MW: “Definitely keen to move out of Tassie. Love it, but ready for the move. Ready to explore different options and different states and see what else is out there.”

Q: What AFL/W club have you supported?

MW: “I support North Melbourne in the women’s because they obviously have that connection to Tassie. I watch all of the AFLW, but I just support one team.”

Q: Is there a player you model your game on at the top level?

MW: “I think I play a bit like Becky Webster from Geelong and Nat Grider from Brisbane.”

Q: Is there anyone who’s had a profound influence on your career?

MW: “Yeah obviously mum and dad have had a big influence on my career, and Jeromey Webberley. I’ve loved him as a coach in my first year as Devils. I just feel like I built that relationship with him and I can turn to him for advice and he’s very honest with his advice and would tell me what I need to hear, but also be that support person who can help me.”