Tom Williams Biography

Tom Williams has wasted no time in his new venture as an AFL player agent, acquiring former teammate Tom Liberatore as a client.

"'Libba' and I had a really good relationship when we were playing and he suggested that he wanted to come with me and he liked what we were doing and the plan we had for our players," Williams said.

"I didn't want him to come over just because we were mates - that's not the reason. It's a professional relationship."

Williams said his long-held interest in the business of sport had pushed him in the direction of player management, as well as a chat with former coach Rodney Eade.

"When I was thinking about retiring I spoke to a few people including 'Rocket' and I said I wouldn't mind getting into the business side of sport but I didn't really know where to start," Williams said.

"But he asked if I had thought about management, because you get to see how other clubs operate, the ins and outs of what players go through, contracts, and you have to identify your own talent at a young age."

Tom Williams announces his retirement after sustaining a hamstring injury in the VFL, calling an end to a 10-year career that has been plagued by injuries.

"I feel very fortunate to have spent my time in the AFL at the Western Bulldogs and with so many great people and memories," Williams said.

"I am proud of my career, and although it was met with some frustrating periods with injury, I can take away countless positives.

"I thank the club, my teammates and our supporters for their patience and support over the years and I look forward to seeing the exciting future of the Western Bulldogs unfold."

Tom Williams will undergo a shoulder reconstruction, ruling him out for the rest of the year.

"While it's a disappointing outcome for Tom, we know he will treat his recovery with the professionalism and dedication we have seen from him since he arrived at the club," Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick said in a statement.

"Tom is a highly valued Western Bulldogs person and we look forward to seeing him ready for the commencement of pre-season training."

Tom Williams is facing yet another stint on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury in the Dogs' nine-point win over Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old dislocated his troublesome right shoulder when reaching for a mark in the second quarter, and was quickly subbed out of the game.

Tom Williams says a friendly discussion with coach Brendan McCartney was productive as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.

"I was living at home by myself and when I got home (that night), 'Macca' brought around a coffee and some cake and had a bit of a chat with me," Williams said.

"He was really supportive of where I was at, and he let me know a few things I could do around the club in the meantime to stay involved and help out my teammates, especially the young guys.

"Rehab is a lonely place and if you don't get around the boys you can feel even more detached from the group. It's probably necessary to do that stuff just to stay sane, and Macca reinforced that to me."

Bulldogs defender Tom Williams is training strongly after a shoulder reconstruction in early March.

"I'm not sure how far away he is but he trained strongly today and he's been doing a hell of a lot of work to get his injuries right," Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd said.

"He's a very resilient guy. He's had a rough trot and I think he's one of the most operated-on players in the comp. But he's got a really strong mindset and I'm sure he won't be too far away."

Injury-cursed Bulldog Tom Williams has undergone further reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder and will be sidelined for 16 weeks.

"Tom is a resilient character and will leave no stone unturned in his recovery from this set-back. He is in good spirits," Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said.

Bulldogs defender Tom Williams hopes to return within a fortnight if he can avoid surgery after injuring his shoulder in a NAB Cup match against Carlton.

"I was expecting the worst but I've done it that many times now that I know how to go about it," Williams said.

"I just have to put my head down and get back."

Bulldogs defender Tom Williams wretched run of injury continues, sidelined for the remainder of 2011 with a broken foot.

Western Bulldogs defender Tom Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a foot fracture.

Western Bulldogs defender Tom Williams undergoes surgery on a broken foot and will be sidelined for two to three weeks.

The Western Bulldogs count the cost of a stirring win against Brisbane at the Gabba with key defender Tom Williams suffering a suspected broken foot.