A problematic first season at Windy Hill has ended prematurely for Essendon goalsneak Mark Williams.
The 27-year-old has been booked in for surgery on his injured ankle and will not play again in 2010.
Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton told the club's official website that Williams had been carrying an ankle for most of the season.
"We have reached the conclusion that the time is right for Mark to have surgery and that will happen next week," Hamilton said.
"He will have his ankle operated on and will then undergo a period of rehabilitation."
"Having surgery now will allow him to be fit and firing and ready to go on day one of pre-season training."
A member of Hawthorn's 2008 premiership side, Williams was traded to Windy Hill with pick 24 in exchange for Essendon's pick 16 during last year's trade period.
He played for first four rounds of the AFL season for a return of five goals but hasn't played a senior game since due to a combination of injury and poor form.
"This injury happened fairly early in the season and has limited his impact over a period of time," Hamilton said.
"While we could manage the injury and have him play more games this year, we think it's best that he has the operation now and starts his recovery for the pre-season."
"We believe a fit and healthy Mark Williams can be a very important player to the club in the 2011 season."
Williams has played 115 AFL matches including 111 for Hawthorn since making his debut in Round 1, 2002.