Williams hopes of returning to Upper Great Southern Football Association finals receive major boost with three ex-WAFL players joining the Cats

Williams Football Club have recruited strongly for the imminent 2020 Upper Great Southern Football League season, securing three ex-WAFL players as they look to return to finals action. Former East Perth and Swan Districts player Jackson Slater will join the Cats this season after playing 30 league WAFL games, 118 reserves and eight colts matches over the past nine seasons. Slater, who is set to play a midfield-forward role, was averaging close to 19 disposals a game in the first five reserves games for Swans last season before dislocating his shoulder and having a season-ending operation. Ashley Boyes is also a big inclusion for the Cats this season after booting 55 goals from 33 matches in the past three seasons for Beverley in the Avon Football League. Boyes has also spent time on a WAFL list, playing 22 league and 47 reserves games between 2011 and 2016 for East Perth and Perth. Key position player Lewis Davis will be another handy asset according to Cats coach Gerard Medlen after signing with the club from Claremont. Davis played 39 reserves games for the Tigers, including last year’s losing grand final side and he was a talented colts player as well being a part of the State 16s academy in 2015. The Cats have lost Brent Hall to retirement while Brad Kain is taking a year off. Star ball winner Simon Panizza and veteran Jon Price will again be important players for the Cats. Medlen said he was looking forward to the season starting. “The team is shaping up well with a good balance between youth and experienced veterans,” he said. “With the youth having gained more experience I believe that we will be a more competitive side in 2020. “Although only winning four games last year, our youth will be better with games under their belt and hopefully with a leaner injury list this year, I do believe we could push for finals.” Williams played a practice match against Collie on the weekend and face Wagin at home in round one next Sunday. “Everyone is keen to get back out on the field even if it is only for seven games of football,” he said.