2025 WILL have a different look for Zac Williams - on a permanent basis, that is. 

As the season nears for the Blues this Thursday night, the excitement for their return was in the air on Royal Parade on Sunday, with Bluebaggers venturing to IKON Park in their thousands for open training. 

For Williams, who also grew up supporting the Blues, that feeling is a mutual one and it clearly never gets old, despite now having played over 150 games at the level. 

It’s probably helped by the fact that on the back of a full pre-season, Williams is raring to go - and playing as a permanent small forward, he’d love for that excitement to shine through. 

06:23

Williams press conference: Ready for Round 1

Zac Williams spoke to the media ahead of Round 1 later this week.

“It was sticking to one position and trying to work on my craft as a forward: I’ve had a full pre-season and worked on my craft with guys like Jesse Motlop, Corey Durdin and all the small forwards. I’m really excited for Round 1 and to lock into that role,” Williams said. 

“It’s been a long couple of years… and a long to process just to get back to full training through the week, and getting back to being ready to do a full pre-season. We’re finally here now, and I’m really looking forward to getting in there and playing some footy.” 

01:32

Debutant phone call | Lucas Camporeale

Lucas Camporeale calls his parents after the news that he will debut this coming Thursday.

Williams’ mid-season switch to the forward line yielded positive results last year, not just for the goals he produced, but for what he brought to his fellow forwards in terms of his energy and creativity at ground level. 

And while he’s keeping his options open like a number of Blues in terms of positional flexibility, he’s clearly loving what life as a forward is bringing. 

“It’s a treat for me to play with Charlie and Harry because they draw so much attention, and as small forwards, we like to think we can mop up underneath the big boys. Whenever Charlie comes back, he’s always welcome because he makes a huge difference to our team. 

“I’ve had conversation with ‘Vossy’ that [switches] could happen in game. But with me, I played 20 games last year and had a full pre-season, so it’s about being confident. No matter where I’m playing or what role, if I’m feeling comfortable, then ‘Vossy’ will be confident in flicking me around wherever I need to.”