MELBOURNE’S Mark Williams has been recognised by the AFL Coaches Association, named as the 2023 Development Coach of the Year, alongside Adelaide's Michael Godden.
The highly respected Williams was announced a joint winner on Tuesday night, tying with Adelaide Crows Development and SANFL Coach Michael Godden for the honour.
The recognition follows a special year for Williams, who was earlier inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame.
Williams joined the Demons in December 2020 and quickly became an integral part of the club’s coaching mix. His experience and expertise proved invaluable in Melbourne’s 2021 AFL premiership season.
He has since worked closely with the club’s young players, developing their skillsets on and off the field to advance their football careers, while being charged with the club’s goalkicking program.
Williams has more than 40 years of industry experience to his name, beginning his career as a 17-year-old at West Adelaide. He went on to represent four clubs across the SANFL and V/AFL, tallying 377 games in a playing career that spanned close to two decades.
Retiring in 1992, he quickly shifted his attention to coaching, taking on challenges at Glenelg, Essendon and Port Adelaide – he took the latter to its first AFL premiership in 2004.
Time at GWS Giants (2011-2012) and Richmond (2013-2016) was followed by becoming a Demon in 2020, calling the Melbourne Football Club his home.
