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INJURED Western Bulldogs defender Tom Williams has described witnessing his side's turnaround in form last Friday night against the Sydney Swans as bitter-sweet.

Williams, 22, has battled injuries all throughout his short career, with the most recent – a thigh problem – perhaps the most devastating when it ended his year shortly before the finals series.

The big defender, who has managed just 19 games since being drafted in 2004, played six matches this year and was ruled out of September ahead of round 22 after succumbing to the troublesome leg complaint.

"It's great to see them get to the prelim, and I'm excited for them, but at the same time, you think about what you could be doing," Williams said when asked how hard it is to once again be confined to the sidelines.

"I try not to think of it like that when I'm watching the games. I sit next to Westy [Scott West] and he's doing it a little bit tougher than me, so that makes it a bit easier.

"I hope he's got a couple of years left in him yet but I've got a lot more – I hope – so I can understand why he's doing it harder."

Williams said it was particularly difficult to watch the Dogs be destroyed by Buddy Franklin in the first qualifying final nearly two weeks ago after being heavily touted as the defender best suited to stop him.

"It was just speculation – you don't know what you could have done," he said.

"I don't think I could have stopped him with the ball he was getting. He was just having one of those nights.

"But it's hard to know. They were in incredible form last week."

Williams lives with fellow young Bulldog Dylan Addison, who has battled his own injury concerns this year after hurting his medial ligament in round 17.

However, unlike Williams, Addison has been able to resume playing in recent weeks and could yet figure in the Dogs' September campaign.

"He's a chance to play again this year, he's played two games for Williamstown now and he might get a look in," Williams said.

"But if your team is playing in a prelim final, there's nothing you can really sulk about so we're both okay."

Williams said the worst part about Addison's injury was it meant their house became less hygienic.

"He stopped cleaning up a bit so things got messy," he laughed.

"He's pretty mild-mannered and I've dealt with a few injuries over the years. I'm not as bad as I used to be with my attitude.

"We've been fine. We leave footy at the club and when we get home, we just relax."

Williams attended last Friday night's win over the Swans with his arm in a sling, after having end-of-season shoulder surgery last Tuesday.

He said his lengthy run of injuries has, not surprisingly, caused him plenty of psychological stress in recent years.

However, a goal "to just get through this pre-season and stay on the track" has kept him motivated and determined to come out the other side.  

"I don't think I could describe the feeling, but it's very frustrating to say the least," he said.

"It builds a bit of fire in your belly, and I know it helps me train. It has the last couple of years.

"I just hope I don't train too hard and hurt myself again, but it definitely fuels me and I have next year to look forward too. I just hope I get some luck.

"I never was a big believer in superstition, but after the last couple of years, I've swung towards it a bit.

"I remember breaking a mirror at some stage and thought nothing of it, but now I'm a bit sceptical and I wish I hadn't."