MORE midfield time is just one of the aspirations new Blue Zac Williams is hoping to achieve when he takes to the field in 2021.
The talented ex-Giant has proven he is capable of having an impact through the centre of the ground, breaking into a talented Giants midfield brigade over the last two years.
"Over the last two years at the Giants, injuries gave me the opportunity of pushing into the midfield and every time I've gone in there I've taken it with both hands," Williams said.
"It's a lot of fun playing in the midfield because you're around the footy the whole time, which I love."
While Williams' has made his aspirations clear, his almost eight years in the AFL system has taught him the hard work must come before the reward.
The 26-year-old knows he will have to earn his position in Carlton's emerging midfield group consisting of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Will Setterfield.
“I know I’m not going to just walk in and play alongside Patty Cripps and Walsh and all of those young boys," he said.
“I know I’ve got to get down there and work hard and if I want that spot I’ve got to work for it.
“The hard work comes first and the reward comes after that.”
Friday's announcement put to bed what had been a stressful month for Williams.
Having put off any contract talks to the end of the season, Williams was able to take the time to discuss the move with his family, Eddie Betts, David Teague and fellow ex-Giants who had switched over to the Navy Blue.
The promise of playing alongside some of the best young talent in the competition and the confidence in future success was ultimately enough for Williams to request a move to the Navy Blue.
"I made my decision probably the week after the season finished," he said.
“I sort of put it to the back of my mind and didn’t really make the decision or talk about it with my family until that week after the season finished.
"The Will Setterfield's and Lachie Plowman's, was even just speaking with them they just always said that the Club was heading in the right direction.
"Hopefully I can come in and put a few more wins on the board next year."
While the move to Melbourne must wait a little longer, the relief for Williams and his family to finally have the deal done was evident when he spoke to media.
Coming from a family of Bluebaggers, Williams' excitement for the move was echoed by his family - his mother unable to hide her elation after hearing the news.
"When I called mum she was in the supermarket back in Narrandera and she left the groceries in the aisle and went home because she was crying too much in the supermarket," he said.
"It's such a surreal feeling and I actually can't wait to get down and meet everyone at the Club."
