FORMER Carlton defender and Ararat local Tom Williamson is in talks with Ararat Rats for a return home in 2023.
Williamson parted ways with the Blues after 44 AFL matches in six seasons and is in negotiations with the Wimmera Football League giant, in what would be a major signing for the Rats fresh off a senior football Grand Final defeat.
While nothing has been signed officially and despite, the Advocate understands Williamson is in advanced discussions with the Rats, who are optimistic the 23-year-old will play for them next season.
Should he sign, Williamson would only take up one point, due to his junior ties with the club, instead of the six normally allotted to ex-AFL players.
After departing the Blues earlier this year, Williamson played a few games with North Melbourne’s VFL team.
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Williamson played for the Rats between 2014-15 and was taken at pick 61 by Carlton in the 2016 National Draft, where he became the latest of a long list of Ararat footballers to have played at VFL/AFL level.