In the lead up to the 2017 NAB AFL Draft being held in Sydney, we’re taking a look back at some of the GIANTS Then and Now ahead of the next batch walking into the club.

Zac Williams, Pick 55, 2013 Rookie Draft 

Before the draft

“Williams can go forward or back. Very good at winning contested ball with his clean hands and strong clearances. He uses the ball extremely well by both hand and foot and can be even more dangerous through his ability to kick goals.” - AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.

The day he walked into the club

"He had played some NEAFL footy for us as an Academy boy before he was drafted and he wasn’t in the best condition when he turned up."

"He didn’t know what AFL football was about but he had elite talent and his decision making skills and ability to get through traffic were something special." 

"Kevin Sheedy knew there was something special in Zac and we’re lucky that we went down that path as he’s producing the goods now." - Brett Hand, GIANTS Head of Development and Welfare.

In the four years since

The only New South Wales product to attend the 2013 Draft Combine, Williams is now considered a steal at pick 55 in the Rookie Draft. Williams has blossomed into one of the GIANTS’ best rebounding defenders and showed he still has a goal kicking nous, kicking a career high three goals against Essendon in round 11 this year.

Witness dreams become reality by registering to attend the 2017 NAB AFL Draft at Sydney Showgrounds on Friday November 24. Click here to register for FREE tickets.