However, the AFL said on Wednesday that Williams, who finished seventh in the best and fairest last season, is no certainty to be allowed to line up in the opening rounds of the home-and-away season. The Magpies begin their campaign against Fremantle on March 14. One option could be that he plays against the Suns this weekend, but is then suspended. "Our position is the AFL is reviewing the full circumstances of the Marley Williams case and will hold discussions with Collingwood Football Club before making a determination on his playing eligibility for the home and away season," AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said. Williams' sentencing falls just days before the Anzac Day clash against Essendon in round six. The AFL could argue that Williams, as he has already been found guilty, be suspended by the Magpies.

There are recent precedents. Carlton last year suspended Heath Scotland for the opening two home-and-away matches over his guilty plea to an assault charge. The veteran defender was put on a two-year good behaviour bond. That two-match ban came after league investigator Brett Clothier stepped in and demanded all police evidence and court documents related to the incident. The Blues initially had suggested Scotland only be banned from the then NAB Cup. The Magpies continue to strongly back Williams, with his camp arguing that an incident in which a 29-year-old man sustained a broken jaw in December 2012, was an act of self-defence. Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury reinforced the club’s position at a training camp on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. ‘‘We fully support Marley with everything that’s going on at the moment,’’ said Pendlebury, who was assaulted himself four years ago.

‘‘I can’t talk about what’s happening in his case, but as I said, we’re fully supporting Marley as a football club. ‘‘I think the media, you guys will be talking about it a fair bit. I feel like a broken record but we support Marls and we’re just looking for a good week on the track up here.’’ There has been public debate as to whether Williams, 20, should be allowed to continue playing while awaiting his sentencing. Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says the club wants to provide structure for him while his life was ‘‘in limbo’’. Former Richmond forward Nathan Brown says Williams has ‘‘messed up big time’’ but has urged the Magpies to retain faith in him. Brown maintains that Williams needs the support of the Magpies.

‘‘The kid has messed up big time, but what kid doesn’t mess up when they are that age? We need to completely stamp out violence in our community, and the way to do that is through awareness through education and counselling, not only of the victims and perpetrators, but everybody,’’ Brown said. Speaking on Sportsmate Mobile’s Footy Live, Brown added: ‘‘Marley has made a mistake, but Collingwood can’t walk away from a kid who right now needs help and support. Loading ‘‘Whatever the outcome and potential penalty, hopefully he comes out the other side a better young man. He will only achieve this with the support of Collingwood and the AFL community.’’ Williams sat out last weekend’s clash against Richmond because he had been unable to train.