ZAC’S back.

AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss confirmed on AFL360 on Monday night that Zac Williams would make his long-awaited return to AFL action this Friday night against Brisbane.

On the proviso that he got through Carlton’s training session on Tuesday, Voss said Williams - who hasn’t played at senior level for 18 months - would feature when the Blues’ 2024 home-and-away season gets underway in Opening Round at the Gabba.

Upon the completion of the session at IKON Park today, Williams’ return is now confirmed.

It’ll mark an emotional moment for the half-back, who not only had to negotiate his rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained last February, but also the passing of his sister Sammy in the middle of last year.

Voss revealed that emotions were high when the boyhood Blue received the news, from a number of people in the room.

“He’ll be there. It’s just a brilliant story: we let him know [on Sunday] in front of the team that he’d be playing. It was pretty emotional, I think the coach got pretty emotional as well,” Voss said.

“They’re your boys. He’s had a lot of personal things going on in his life that he’s had to work through, and on top of that, footy’s been taken away from him over the last little while. He’s had some injury troubles, but despite all that, he’s been able to work his way through it and got himself in fantastic condition — probably the best of his career.

“To give him the news, that’s what you coach for.”

Voss said there were no secrets about what Williams would bring to the playing group upon his return to action.

“He can give us a lot more drive out of the back half. You talk about little different things in your game: sometimes you can try and improve your system, and sometimes the talent improve your system. He’s certainly one of those guys.

“He gives us a lot more bounce off half-back and he’s understated in his competitiveness, with his ability to win contests. He’ll give us some terrific drive.”