Footyinfo

Don Williams

Melbourne

AFL career

205 games5 goals

Debut
R3 1953 v NTH9 May 1953
Most recent
R3 1968 v SME27 Apr 1968

Stats

1968
MEL
3
11.3
2.0
13.3
3.3
1.0
0.7
0.0
0.0
1967
MEL
17
13.9
1.9
15.8
3.7
0.8
1.4
0.0
0.0
1966
MEL
18
13.3
1.5
14.8
3.7
1.4
1.3
0.0
0.0
1965
MEL
17
12.1
1.2
13.3
3.3
1.1
1.6
0.1
0.1
1964
MEL
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.1
-
1959
MEL
17
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.1
-
1958
MEL
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
1957
MEL
21
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
1956
MEL
18
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
1955
MEL
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
1954
MEL
21
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
1953
MEL
16
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.0
-
League
Season
SME
LO
R3
8
1
9
2
1
0
-
0.0
STK
MO
R2
13
1
14
3
0
2
0
0.0
FIT
MCG
R1
13
4
17
5
2
0
0
0.0

Profile

Full name
Don E. Williams
Born
03 Nov 1935
Died
19 Oct 1995 (aged 59y 350d)
Height
182 cm
Weight
80 kg

Teams

Honours

  • Premiership(5×) 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1964
  • Melbourne B&F
    2nd
    1958
    Top 10
    1965

Recruited from within Melbourne's own ranks, Don Williams established himself as a stylish and reliable half-back flanker during the club's golden era under Norm Smith. Noted for his composure, excellent balance, and precise kicking skills, he became an integral component of a defensive unit that underpinned the Demons' dominance throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. His ability to read the play allowed him to intercept attacks and rebound effectively, providing a sense of calm behind the aggressive Melbourne forward line.

Williams' career is defined by remarkable team success, featuring in five premiership sides across the height of the dynasty: the hat-trick of 1955, 1956, and 1957, as well as the 1959 and 1964 triumphs. Although he missed the 1960 flag, his consistency saw him play over 200 games for the club, a testament to his durability and standing within a star-studded list. He was later recognised as one of the club's all-time greats with selection on the interchange bench in Melbourne's Team of the Century.