Tom Williamson signs contract extension with Carlton

The 21-year-old has signed with the Blues until the end of the 2022 season, following a year that saw him cement a place in Carlton's backline.

Williamson played 15 games this season, in what was a triumphant return from injury problems.

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Carlton's head of list management Nick Austin said that Blues fans would enjoy seeing Williamson continue to develop.

"Tom has been tested mentally and physically in his first four seasons at AFL level and to come out the other side and produce the season he did, after just about two years out of the game, was very impressive," Austin said.

"He worked incredibly hard to earn his spot and no doubt he would have enjoyed a lot of growth this year playing alongside our experienced players down back.

"Tom is also a competitor who never takes a backwards step. That is what we, and no doubt our members, love about him. With still only 32 games under his belt, we're excited to see Tom continue to get better in the next few seasons and take his game to the next level."

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Williamson was selected with pick 61 in the 2016 national draft, and went on to play 15 games in his debut season.

Injury problems would follow, with persistent back problems, limiting the defender to just two games in the following two seasons.

The young Blue returned to the field in round three this season, ending a tough period on the sidelines.

"I never thought I was done by any means, but at times I questioned and wondered if there were other things I could be doing," he previously told SEN's Bob and Andy.

"It never crossed my mind that I was done. I always knew that if I got a clean run at it, I was good enough to play the game.

"I didn't know how long it was going to be until it was going to turn. Hopefully it can come out in a bit of footy for me this year."

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