GEELONG Falcons midfielder Noah Williams put his name in lights with a best on ground performance in last year’s National Futures game. The diminutive ball winner has cut his teeth in several roles but feels most at home on-ball, where he aims to replicate the ruthlessness of Luke Hodge and Joel Selwood.

Williams spent a week with the Geelong Cats during preseason as part of his AFL Academy commitments, learning plenty from the likes of George Stevens and Gryan Miers. Heading into his top-age campaign, the 18-year-old hopes to be a leader across each level in 2026.

We sat down for an interview with Williams at the recent Talent League preseason testing combine.

PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Noah, can you give a short rundown into your footy journey so far?

NW: I started off with Auskick at Bell Park [and] just gradually played juniors through there. In Under 16s top-age I decided to move to St Joey’s and won the flag, which was a good accomplishment in my first year there. I played in the Falcons 16s, then played for Vic Country. [Last year] I played one game of Vic Country 18s bottom-age which I was pretty very grateful for. And now we’re here.

Q: What have the recent National Futures and Academy experiences been like for you in terms of learnings?

NW: It’s been incredible. Playing with the best boys in Australia is incredible. Just the learning details, especially from the coaches as well. My massive idol Joel Selwood was there with the National Academy, which was like a dream come true. Just listening to how he speaks, how he like shows leadership through his actions and words was incredible.

Q: How have you gone about balancing each of those programs and all the various coaching voices?

NW: I’d say journaling is a massive part. I journal at training, what I want to get out of it. ‘Corra’ (Falcons coach Paul Corrigan) is massive for me at training and pushes me to be the best I can. If I’m doing something wrong, he’ll tell me straight away so that’s been crucial for my learning. With all the voices, you just try to pick the ones that are going to make you a better player. And if you’re not sure, just go ask that coach; ‘What do you mean by that?’ [or] ‘How can I get better at this, this, and this?’.

Q: Have you been able to get through preseason injury-free?

NW: I had a little bit of a niggle with my back, had some back spasms. And then a little bit with my patellar tendonitis, but that’s just gone away now.

Q: Do you watch a lot of football?

NW: Yeah I watch a fair bit… I’m a big Cats fan.

Q: Are there any players that try and model your game on?

NW: Joel Selwood’s a massive one. Luke Hodge as well, a left-footer. Love how he [played] the game, just tough and ruthless footy. More recently, I’d say for about five years, was George Stevens from Geelong. Watching him for his juniors in the Talent League and how he just dominates, his leadership as well. Spending a week with the Cats, he showed how much care he has in his prep, in the teammates, and his football elite so I admire that a lot.

Q: Was he the one that took you under his wing during that week at Geelong?

NW: Him, and Gryan Miers was really good for me as well. If I did do something wrong, he would pull me up straight away and I’d try to be a quick learner to implement it into the next drill as much as I can. George Stevens was a massive one though.

Q: You’ve grown up playing a variety of roles, where do you think you play your best footy?

NW: I’d say versatility’s probably the weapon I’m trying to keep developing. If my coaches need me in the backline, I’ll play backline. If it’s mid, [I’ll play] mid. I’d say I’m an inside mid at heart. I love to get in under with ruthlessness, competitiveness. But I try to bring that to every aspect of position or role I can.

Q: You touched on a few strengths there, can you expand some areas for improvement?

NW: I’d say power. I want to try [improve] my first three steps out of the contest. My footwork is pretty okay at the moment, so I definitely want to increase that as well, but definitely power.

Q: What sort of goals have you set up for the year overall?

NW: Obviously to play the two National [Academy] games and make the Vic team. I want to contribute to captaincy of Geelong Grammar, my school, and then Geelong Falcons also. And just continue developing my leadership throughout the whole year.

Q: Are there any teammates you think we should look out for to have a big year?

NW: Yeah, I reckon Joel Bartley. He’s been absolutely training the house down in preseason. Smashing the 2km, tearing it up in match-sim off half-back. It’s a new position for him, he was a bit wary of it, but he’s settling home which is good.

>> MORE: Knapp the name to note in Talent League