WESTERN Bulldogs defender Tom Williams is aiming to make an appearance in next year's NAB Cup, after overcoming a fourth season stunted by injury.

Williams, 22, is currently recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and will return to full contact training in January.

The injury-prone backman hasn't let his unlucky run with his body influence his motivation, and believes he'll be ready to figure in the Dogs' pre-season campaign.

"The aim is round one, NAB Cup," he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"I'm hoping to play the intra-club as well. I should be fully ready to go for that."

Williams said his shoulder is getting stronger after having the operation during the club's finals series, and his rehabilitation is right on track.

"It's good. I haven't had any pain with it but I haven't had a shoulder injury before so I don't really know what's in store … I've just got to get some strength back into it," he said.

"There's no real rush to do contact so when I feel right they'll ease me into it. I'll be right by probably January to do that, so I can do the lead up into the games."

Read the full Williams story on westernbulldogs.com.au