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High-profile Carlton signing Zac Williams says he is not fazed by question marks over his lucrative long-term AFL contract after leaving Greater Western Sydney.
Carlton recruit Zac Williams is prepared for the extra scrutiny that is coming his way after leaving Greater Western Sydney for a monster AFL deal with the Blues.
The 26-year-old's move to Carlton became official on Friday when GWS elected not to match a lucrative six-year deal for the restricted free agent and received a first-round pick (currently No.10) as compensation.
Williams, who played 113 games for the Giants after debuting in 2013, knows he will receive plenty of attention because of the size and length of contract he has signed.
Moving to footy-mad Victoria is only likely to increase the spotlight after relative anonymity in New South Wales.
"I sort of knew there was going to be speculation and people were going to have their opinion, which is fine," he said.
"I'm not even worried about what anyone else says. I'm just worried about getting down to Melbourne and gaining the respect of the playing group and coaching staff.
"I was a Carlton supporter growing up, so my family is pretty happy with the move as well.
"My mum was in the supermarket back in (his hometown of) Narrandera and she went home from the supermarket because she was crying too much."
Having played mostly in defence at the Giants, Williams will be a key part of the Blues' midfield rotations.
He might even pop up in the forward line alongside one of his heroes, master goal-kicker Eddie Betts.
But Williams has aspirations to assert himself in a midfield containing co-captain Patrick Cripps and last year's Rising Star Sam Walsh.
"I think (coach David) Teague likes the flexibility of playing halfback or the midfield so he's just looking forward to playing me anywhere," he said.
"Over the last few years at the Giants, every time I've gone into the midfield I've taken it with both hands."
Williams' switch continues the strong GWS connection at Princes Park, with former Giants Will Setterfield, Caleb Marchbank, Matt Kennedy and Lachie Plowman already at the club.