AFL: Ex-Carlton defender Tom Williamson has no guarantees from North Melbourne despite signing for its VFL team

North Melbourne has made no promises to former Blue Tom Williamson despite bringing him in to play for the Kangaroos’ VFL team for the rest of the season.

Williamson played his first match for North’s reserves on Saturday after “mutually” parting ways with Carlton at the start of July, about a month after taking indefinite leave to focus on personal issues.

The 23-year-old defender had 13 disposals, three marks and two tackles as the Roos lost by two points to Richmond, with ex-AFL footballers Marty Hore and Dom Tyson combining for almost 60 touches.

Williamson’s agent, Liam Pickering, of Bravo Talent Management, contacted North Melbourne’s general manager of football talent, Brady Rawlings, to organise the opportunity for his client.

The Kangaroos have youth-laden AFL and VFL lists, so the idea was Williamson could provide some extra experience for them, while keeping his own hopes flickering of returning to the elite level.

But the move was not made with an eye to North Melbourne signing him for next season.

The Roos have floated in recent weeks the likelihood of recruiting more mature-age talent in the 24-to-28-year-old bracket.

Williamson made 44 senior appearances for the Blues after being the No.61 pick in the 2016 draft, but only one of those was this year.

Carlton released a statement in early July confirming after “ongoing discussions” with Williamson, who was contracted until the end of this season, that he was at least temporarily leaving the AFL scene.

“As a result of these discussions, it has been mutually decided that Williamson will step away from AFL football for 2022 and depart the football club,” the club’s statement read.

“The club will continue to work with Williamson, the AFLPA and Williamson’s management to ensure he continues to receive the necessary support he needs moving forward.”