A country football club in Victoria has permanently cut a player who served jail time for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on a team trip, bowing to public pressure after originally welcoming him back. James Nicholas Williams returned to play senior football for Tyrendarra Football Netball Club (TFNC) after serving a prison sentence for the offence, which occurred during a club trip to Adelaide in September 2022.
The club announced Williams' re-signing on Instagram on October 28, 2025, describing him as a 'classy midfielder/forward flanker' who 'lifts the team when it matters most'. That statement resurfaced following an investigation into the club's handling of the matter and criticism from former female players who said they left because of Williams' return.
TFNC announced on Wednesday night that Williams has been permanently axed. 'Recent reporting has raised serious questions about a decision by our Club. We have listened, and we accept the criticism,' the club said. 'A former player convicted of a sexual offence against a child was allowed to return to our club. That decision was wrong and we are sorry. ... That player is no longer part of the Club and will not return.'
The club said it readmitted Williams after a 'careful process, with external expert advice and wide consultation across the Club, including the parents of our younger teams'. Tyrendarra will now implement a binding code of conduct, increase child safety oversight, educate players on 'respectful relationships', and establish a standing committee for child safety, conduct and reputation. Comments on social media posts announcing the move were disabled.
Williams was 20 at the time of the offence and sentenced in the South Australian District Court in April 2024 after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 17. Court documents show he travelled to Adelaide with teammates and attended a concert at Hindley Street Music Hall. The court heard he approached the 15-year-old victim, kissed her, and placed his hand under her skirt despite her saying 'No, stop'. When her mother intervened, Williams returned his hand and glared at her. Security ejected him. Williams later messaged a friend saying he was removed after he 'touched a bird ha ha ha'. Judge Michelle Sutcliffe called the offending 'forceful and persistent', noting that teenage girls deserve to feel safe at events. Williams was sentenced to one year and two months' imprisonment with a six-month non-parole period.
The case returned to public attention after an ABC investigation highlighted concerns from former female players. Megan Latham told the ABC she left the club because of how the matter was handled, saying 'being a footballer definitely trumps women's concerns'. She felt unable to challenge the club's decision. Last week, TFNC released a statement acknowledging community concerns and saying it had undertaken extensive consultation, risk assessments, and complied with court conditions.
An AFL spokesperson said decisions regarding community football participation rest with the club and league. Anti-violence campaigner Sherele Moody urged followers to contact the club, calling for Williams to be sacked. The Daily Mail has contacted TFNC for comment.
