Sport
24 September, 2025
Investigation into Tom Williamson dropped
The investigation into Tom Williamson’s alleged vilification in Ararat's second semi-final against the Southern Mallee Thunder on Saturday, September 6, has been dropped.
Williamson was handed two yellow cards in the match, one of which was the alleged vilification.
Ararat Football Netball Club president David Hosking is glad that it's over.
"I'm glad the investigation has been dealt with thoroughly and not in haste like many people wanted it to be," Hosking said.
"It's important for something of this seriousness magnitude that it's done right."
"Our game is the hardest in the world to umpire, and the he umpires have an incredibly difficult job, but it's concerning to me that they have the ability to send someone off the ground, and then if they are found not guilty, then it's too late. The damage has already been done," Hosking added.
"All is well that ended well for the senior team. We won the flag. But it cost us a game along the way."
Hosking credited Williamson's mental resilience.
"Tom is under pressure most times, but he was under enormous pressure the last few weeks, especially with the focus on him from other clubs that say he shouldn't be on the field.
"The message I want to convey to the other clubs is their inability to look at things objectively. It's all very well having your opinions on Tom Williamson, but if he were playing for you, what would your opinion be?
"You would want him to be treated fairly and equitably. That's all we want. We want him treated fairly."
With a successful season, the focus is now firmly on 2026 and aiming for four senior flags in a row.
"We will move forward," Hosking said.
"A lot of things haven't gone our way, but we will keep getting on with it and prepare for 2026."
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