Carr, 28, sought a trade to Fremantle to play alongside brother Matthew after the Power’s maiden premiership success but returned to Alberton in October and will play his first game back in the black, white and teal against Essendon this week.
Williams said he was looking forward to seeing Carr back in the Port Adelaide guernsey on Sunday afternoon.
“Josh was our vice-captain when he left and, in my view, he would have been captain by now if he was still here - that’s what he brings to our group,” Williams said on Friday.
“He has all the attributes of a solid captain. He’s been through our system, developed interstate, he plays tough and is a leader on and off the field.
“Dom Cassisi and Josh are best mates, so what a great combination we have there with those two being able to support each other.”
Power fans will have to wait a little longer to see pint-sized dynamo Wade Thompson play his first game for the club.
Thompson, 20, was elevated to the senior list earlier in the week but was left out of the final 22 to take on the Bombers.
William said the leadership group had been split as to whether to play the exciting forward.
“Right at the moment, Wade’s not going to play, but (SANFL team) North Adelaide aren’t playing this week and we have the opportunity to have a late change if we want,” Williams said.
“He’s done everything possible to get in the side. I just spoke to him and told him there was nothing we could have ever imagined or hoped for that he could have produced as a young player coming from so far back.”
Defender Toby Thurstans, who is stranded on 99 games, and gritty onballer Tom Logan are also likely to miss.
Port Adelaide had been earmarked as a big improver in 2009 but Williams said his focus has been on getting off to a good start at home on Sunday afternoon.
“We view it as an important game and everyone likes to start well. We’d like to start positively. Last year, we had a really poor record here - our poorest ever - so we want to get one up straight away,” Williams said.
