John Williams

Recruited from St Albans, John Williams enjoyed a dream start to his VFL career, breaking into the Essendon lineup in 1965 and playing in a premiership in his debut season. Primarily a reliable full-back and defender, he became a mainstay of the Bombers' backline throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. His close-checking style and durability allowed him to accumulate significant game time during a period where Essendon struggled to replicate their mid-60s success, rarely missing a match once established in the senior side.

After 150 games with the Bombers, Williams was involved in a notable transfer saga, crossing to Collingwood prior to the 1974 season as part of the arrangement that saw prolific goal-kicker Geoff Blethyn return to Windy Hill. At Victoria Park, Williams continued to offer dependable service in defence, adding valuable experience to the Magpies' lineup for three seasons. He retired in 1976 just four games shy of the 200-game milestone, remembered as a disciplined defender who tasted the ultimate success at the very beginning of his tenure.