North Melbourne recruit Marley Williams wants to make the most of his time at the Kangaroos
MARLEY Williams wants to become a mainstay of North Melbourne’s backline after receiving a career lifeline in the last hour of this year’s trade period.
Despite playing 20 AFL games in 2015, the hardened small defender fell out of favour at Collingwood this year and was traded for pick No. 105.
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“I think I only found out half an hour before the deadline that I was going to get it done,” Williams said.
“So, it was (a) really emotional (time) for myself and my family, but once I was done I was over the moon.”
Williams said it was clear earlier in the year he may have to seek a fresh start and wanted to sharpen-up his ball use at North this preseason.
“A few of the younger boys (at Collingwood) pushed me out, so I thought maybe a move will do me good and improve my football,” he said.
“I think in 2015 I held my own playing down in that backline, I was unlucky to be pushed out (and a foot) injury didn’t help.
“But it was a little bit disappointing. I’ve got to work on my fitness and kicking I think I will be back to where I was.”
Fellow new Roo Nathan Hrovat, 22, said it was tough to leave his Western Bulldogs teammates after their stunning premiership win.
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“It’s always tough in those situations when you do have really good mates and that’s part of the decision making process,” Hrovat said.
“But early on in the year after I had my ankle surgery I thought a new start and new environment would probably be good for me. I couldn’t be happier to land at the Kangaroos.”