Nicknamed ‘‘Teddy’’, Williams first played for the Tigers in 1993 and credits a love of the game and avoiding serious injury for his longevity.

Respected as fierce competitor with exceptional skills, he has played with some talented teammates and under some great coaches.

‘‘Playing alongside players like Damian Lavelle, Lyndon Dakin and Brendan Jones has helped me understand the game and take my own performance to another level,’’ Williams said.

‘‘I have also played under some great coaches and probably regard Lyndon Dakin as the biggest coaching influence on my career.’’

Williams has stepped into coaching ranks this season, having been appointed as the Tigers’ reserves coach.

‘‘Our club is in a rebuilding phase at present and it is great to work with Ben Chugg as our club senior coach, and we have some really exciting and talented young blokes at our club and I see a really positive future ’’.

He rated the 2002-03 back-to-back reserves premierships as career highlights along with playing 200 senior games for the Tigers and the enduring friendships he has made within the club and greater footy community.

‘‘It’s great to go out and have a fierce and competitive game, but it is also great to sit down with both teammates and opponents over a beer after the game, and it’s the mates that I have made along the way that are the real highlight for me’’.

Club president David Blair said Williams was a great role model for the club’s younger players, epitomising the Tigers’ spirit and club loyalty.

And the veteran has no plans to hang up the boots just yet.

‘‘I will re-evaluate at the end of the season, but as long as I have the passion to play I will keep on playing,’’ he said.