A country football club in Victoria has come under intense scrutiny after reinstating a player who was jailed for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl during an end-of-season trip with teammates. James Nicholas Williams returned to play senior football for Tyrendarra Football Netball Club in south-west Victoria after serving a prison sentence for an offence committed during a club trip to Adelaide in September 2022.
Case Resurfaces Amid Criticism
The matter has resurfaced following an investigation into the club's handling of the situation. Former female players have spoken out, saying they left the club because of Williams' return. Williams was sentenced in the South Australian District Court in April 2024 after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under 17, charged as an alternative to rape.
Court documents reveal that Williams travelled to Adelaide with teammates from Tyrendarra and attended a concert at Hindley Street Music Hall. The court heard that the 15-year-old victim was at the venue with her mother when Williams approached her and asked for her Snapchat details.
Judge Details Assault
Judge Michelle Sutcliffe stated that Williams kissed the girl before placing his hand underneath her skirt. When the victim said, "No, stop," Williams responded, "No, it's fine." The victim's mother intervened and pushed Williams' hand away, but he immediately returned his hand up the victim's skirt and glared at her. Security staff subsequently ejected Williams from the venue.
The court heard that Williams later sent a message to a friend stating he had been removed after he had '[touched] a bird ha ha ha'. Judge Sutcliffe described the offending as 'forceful and persistent'. She emphasized that teenage girls are entitled to feel safe and enjoy events without fear of sexual assault. Williams was sentenced to one year and two months' imprisonment with a non-parole period of six months.
Former Players Speak Out
Former Tyrendarra player Megan Latham told the ABC she left the club after becoming dissatisfied with how the matter was handled. 'I think they're saying there's no consequences, or, "Sorry, we're not responsible for giving out consequences based on what you did on our football trip,"' she said. 'It was really disappointing and uncomfortable and frustrating too, that there didn't seem to be any action taken about it. [It felt like] being a footballer definitely trumps women's concerns.'
Latham said she walked away without consulting management, unwilling to engage in justifying the behaviour. 'Things like sexual assault are very stigmatised and I want to say around here, it can be really defended. And I didn't feel like I could have that conversation or argument … particularly [with] people that I'd grown so close to.'
Club Response
The club announced Williams' re-signing in an Instagram post on October 28, 2025, describing him as a 'classy midfielder/forward flanker' who 'lifts the team when it matters most'. Tyrendarra released a statement acknowledging community concerns and asserting that the club takes safety and wellbeing seriously. It stated that over a considerable period, the club has undertaken extensive consultation, sought advice from relevant bodies, completed risk assessment processes, complied with all known court and bail conditions, and taken appropriate actions. The club declined further public comment.
An AFL spokesperson stated that decisions regarding participation in community football rest with the relevant club and league. Award-winning journalist and anti-violence campaigner Sherele Moody has drawn attention to the case on her Femicide Watch platform, urging followers to contact the club and calling for Williams' removal. She referenced the conviction and jail term, and noted that multiple women left the club following his return.
