The second the ball left Jason Williams’ foot late in extra time of the Riddell District Football League grand final, he knew it was going through for a goal.
The Burras were trailing by one point and it looked like they could be headed for a fourth straight grand final loss.
Williams himself hadn’t had his best game, kicking only one goal to that point as he and Riddell’s Tim Walsh had an enthralling battle.
But what had transpired earlier in the game didn’t matter when Williams put his side in front with what would ultimately be the winning goal.
The Burras won 12.14 (86)-12.8 (80).
After the game, Williams struggled to comprehend the win.
“We’d lost three [grand finals] in a row,” he said.
“To see the smile of everyone else’s faces as the siren went … it’s a special feeling.
“It all happened so fast,” he said. “I remember getting the ball and looking down … I just knew I hit it perfectly.
“As soon as it hit my foot it was going through … there’s no better feeling.
Williams said the winning moments were the best of his life and a great ending to what he describes as one of his most difficult years in football.
Williams was a leading contender on reality TV show
The Recruit before being sidelined by a hand injury earlier this year.
“I can’t tell you how special this is – it’s the best thing that’s happened in my life.
“It’s probably been the worst year of my footy life and the only thing that could change that is win the flag … and it turns around to be the best year of my life.”
Once the siren went, Williams made a beeline for Burras coach Shaun Sims.
“Shaun is the most amazing person I’ve met in my life,” he said. “I would do this 100 times over for him.”
