The former Ararat Rat has put two injury-riddled years behind him, solidifying his place with Carlton as the Blues chase a drought-breaking finals berth.

After playing just two games in two seasons due to a chronic back injury, Williamson said he was ecstatic to be back playing at the top level.

"It's just been good to get some continuity in my body, to be training every week and having no issues for once," he said.

"It was obviously challenging (in the last two years), going to games every week and wishing you were out there.

"But I feel like I've overcome it now and it's great to be back out there. We've been building a strong backline and a strong vibe throughout the whole club. It's good to be a part of."

Since returning to the side in round three, Williamson has gone from strength to strength, playing all 10 of the Blues' matches.

Williamson, 21, said he was feeling more and more comfortable as the season goes on.

"Early on, it was a challenge to pick up the speed again, especially considering there weren't any VFL games to bring me up to scratch," he said.

"But Teaguey (head coach David Teague) stuck by me early on, and it feels like I've grown every week from those early games.

"Teaguy and our backline coach Dale Amos have stuck by me the whole way through. We've got really good relationships and it's been good to repay some of that faith."

Carlton has won six games with Williamson in the side, as they chase a finals berth for the first time since 2013.

The Blues currently sit four points behind eighth spot on the ladder, with five games left to play.

Williamson said the prospect of finals created an exciting atmosphere among the playing group.

"We've still got finals in our sights, so it's a huge couple of weeks coming up for us," he said.

"Having that to strive for does lift the morale in the group.

"If we could pull it off it would be a great way to end the season. And I feel like we're the sort of team that if we get in, anything could happen.

"Everyone has been in good spirits, so hopefully the wins keep coming."

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Williamson's performances this season have also been delighting Ararat fans starved of local football.

Ararat Rats president David Hosking said watching Williamson was a highlight for many rusted-on Rats.

"I think it's particularly enjoyable for the long term fans. We watched him come through the ranks and grow into a fantastic footballer," Mr Hosking said.

"And apart from the fact that he's a really good footballer, he's also a really good human being. That's one of the best things about it.

"We're genuinely excited to watch him play and see him develop."

Williamson and the Blues take on their arch-rivals and seventh-placed Collingwood on Sunday, in a massive contest for both clubs.

"It's a big game for us. They're above us on the ladder so it would be good to peg one back on them," Williamson said.

"We trained today and had a really good session, so hopefully we can play well on Sunday."

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