Williams and her Melbourne University Lightning claimed a hard-fought flag at the State Netball Centre, capitalising on a four-goal buffer at three-quarter time to defeat Geelong 54-42.
The Lightning fired off a 16-8 final quarter, but the combination of goal defender Williams and Tilly Shepherd had ground the Cougars attack to a halt.
By the final buzzer, Williams had an early medal around her neck in season 2025, with the pieces of the puzzle finally falling in place for the dynamic talent.
“That was my first time playing in a grand final, so, obviously, I was pretty nervous going into it,” Williams said.
“I've made two or three (preliminary finals) in the VNL and probably four prelims for A-grade and never made it to the grand final; to finally get there was definitely worth it.
“I think last night was just such a good representation of what a grand final actually is — a tough four-quarter grind.
“I think just coming to the realisation in the three-quarter time huddle that this was the last time that we'd play with this team for the year, we knew that we had to leave absolutely everything out there and that’s exactly what we did.
“To come out with the win in the end was just so exciting.”
Williams praised the club culture and the tight-knit squad at the Lightning, while also acknowledging what has been another strong season of development for the young Cat.
“I think the season as a whole, we had such a great bunch of girls who were just so supportive of each other,” she said.
“I really enjoyed stepping more into the goal defence position this year where I feel most comfortable and, I think, developing connections with my other defenders has been so good.
“I think my game has become so much stronger in that goal defence position.”
With the end of the VNL season came the announcement of the 2025 award recipients, with a few familiar Goulburn Valley League faces with their names up in lights.
Seymour’s Casey Adamson earned Championship Team of the Year honours alongside her MVP award, while former Rochester star Teal Hocking, ex-Shepparton United player Zoe Davies and former Bear Jane Cook were also a feature of the best of the best.
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