Young Lion embracing life with ladder-leading Cats

LEOPOLD young gun Mason Williams is embracing every opportunity in his first season with Geelong’s ladder-leading VFL side as he discovers what it takes to succeed at the next level.

After claiming the Geelong Falcons’ Norris Harding Medal last year, Williams earned a call-up to the Cats’ VFL list and has featured in eight games this season.

The Cats have dropped just one game and sit two games clear atop the ladder and look primed for a genuine tilt at their first VFL premiership since 2012.

Williams, who is averaging 12.3 disposals and 3.5 tackles in a midfield role, said he is relishing the jump up to VFL level.

“It’s a big step up from the Geelong Falcons,” he said. “I’m just loving it, and it’s very good experience.

“The culture there is just unbelievable and the facilities there they’ve got at GMHBA Stadium is unreal.”

A lifelong Cats supporter, Williams has shared the field with AFL-listed players including Gryan Miers, Brad Close and Rhys Stanley. He said younger midfielders James Worpel, Mitch Knevitt and George Stevens had also helped accelerate his development and build his confidence.

“They’re good role models and are good to talk to and they teach me new things,” Williams said.

He also credited midfield coach Mitch Herbison and VFL captain Dan Capiron for helping him settle into the program.

With the Cats’ lineup subject to change depending on AFL player availability, Williams has embraced the challenge of moving between the VFL and Geelong Football League level with Leopold.

He is grateful to be playing the game he loves.

“I’m just enjoying my footy, wherever it is,” he said. “Regardless of if it’s Leopold or Geelong, I’m just keen to be playing footy.”

Williams is the cousin of Leopold great Marcus Thompson, who has helped prepare him for senior football over several years.

“He’s helped me out heaps just getting me ready for that next level,” Williams said.

“He’d be going for kicks with me and always checking if I need help with anything and just always being there for me.”

Williams hopes to cement his place in Geelong’s side heading into the VFL finals, while also contributing to Leopold’s late-season GFL finals push.