Thurstans will replace suspended ruckman Dean Brogan, who is serving a one-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Andrew Lovett in the round one win over Essendon.
Williams said the Power had opted for the 196cm Thurstans, rather than a smaller player, out of respect for West Coast’s ruck combination of Dean Cox and Mark Seaby.
“Toby’s a really powerful guy with his leap and he can also play both back and forward, so he does give us a great deal of flexibility,” Williams said on Friday.
“We’ve used him (in the ruck) before and we’ve certainly spent a lot of time talking about how our ruck combinations might work. At different times this year, we might go with that particular set-up (one bonafide ruckman) whether the two rucks are available or not.
“Cox is an outstanding ruckman, so our percentages will probably be down in terms of our hit-outs, but hopefully we can still get enough clearances to get the ball inside50m.”
Williams was also adamant Daniel Motlop would take his place in the side, despite the forward spending considerable time talking to the club doctor at training on Friday.
Motlop also left the track early on Wednesday to ice his sore spots.
“Motts (Motlop) has had a wonderful pre-season and has worked really hard. He’s a bit sore from last week, but he’ll be 100 per cent by Sunday,” Williams said.
Thurstans will be one of four Power players to celebrate milestones on Sunday.
Chad Cornes will play his 200th match, Shaun Burgoyne his 150th and Brett Ebert his 100th, but Thurstans has arguably worked the hardest to reach to his landmark.
The utility was selected with pick No.39 in the 1998 NAB AFL Draft, but didn’t make his AFL debut in 2003.
Best remembered for his three-goal performance in the 2004 grand final, earlier this year he achieved the unique feat of life membership (for 10 years of service) at the club before even notching up his 100th game.
Williams said the former introvert had come out of his shell to emerge as a genuine leader in recent years.
“I think of all the players that have ever played for the Power, Toby has taken the longest to make 100. He probably took the most time to get a game after being put on the list too,” Williams said.
“It’s a credit to his ability to just stick at it and persist. I know he’s copped a lot of abuse and negativity from people around the club, but he’s been outstanding for us both forward and back.”
Williams said the club’s four milestones would make Sunday’s clash with West Coast even “more special”.
“The players would like to respect those guys (playing milestone games) and make sure they can remember it with fond memories,” he said.
“But West Coast smashed Brisbane early last week and looked terrific. I’m sure coming back to their home state with their own supporters, they’ll be really looking forward to getting a win and evening the ledger at one all.”
