Rehabilitating injuries at a football club can be an isolating experience but in Tom Williams’ time at the Western Bulldogs he never felt alone – and that is what he will miss in retirement.

The 27-year-old called time on his professional football career this week after ten years at the kennel and while the last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotion, he has no regrets.

“I just thought to myself that I’ve probably had enough of rehab, I’ve probably had enough of it all because all the injuries have taken its toll slowly over the years, especially the last three years,” Williams said.

“I made the decision pretty quickly, it wasn’t something that I hadn’t thought about – because obviously the amount of injuries that I’ve had it was something that was pretty fresh in my mind.

“It was a big thing to just do it but I thought it was necessary and for my family and myself and for the Club, I suppose, to cross that line.”

Williams said he was grateful for his opportunities at the Bulldogs, and showed a rare side when addressing the playing group about his retirement.

“When I made the decision I was really like a weight had been lifted and I was really quite happy,” he said

“Then I didn’t expect what would happen, I came in and addressed the boys and cried like a little girl – I just couldn’t get anything out.

“When I looked at everyone and saw the great mates that I had made and I won’t see as much anymore – I’m not dying but it kind of felt that way in footy terms.

“It was pretty emotional… but it was a good thing for that to happen because it kind of conveys how much I’ll miss them and how much I’ll miss the place.”

The 27-year-old won’t leave behind sport completely and is considering a future in player welfare — as he believes it would add meaning to the journey he has been through.

“I would probably like to stay in the industry, I would like to do something in the welfare side for players,” he said.

“[To] use my experiences my negative and positive ones to benefit and help blokes coming through.

“I think it would kind of make my career worth something in my next career.”