FORMER Port Adelaide premiership Coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams has been appointed Melbourne’s new Head of Development.
The highly respected figure has been involved in the football industry for over 40 years, including time as a player and coach.
Melbourne General Manager of Football Performance, Alan Richardson, is excited to welcome someone of Mark’s calibre to the club.
“Mark has proven over a long period of time that he has a great ability to develop people and maximise their full potential as a player,” Richardson told Melbourne Media.
“He’s an incredibly passionate person who we think will do a sensational job at leading our Development Program.
“A major focus for Mark will be working with the younger players on our list and helping them take the next step in their footy careers.
Williams’ appointment comes after Matthew Egan announced his departure last month.
Egan has accepted a role as the Head of Football at Xavier College, departing Melbourne after four years of service.
“Ego joined the Club in 2016 and was appointed Head of Development, after earning a reputation as a highly-respected coaching member with the Bombers,” Richardson said.
“Over the past four seasons, Ego has done a phenomenal job designing and implementing our Player Development Program.
“His lasting legacy will no doubt be the accelerated growth of our playing list, that will set the Club and our players up for success in the years to come.
“We look forward to seeing what Ego achieves in the future and appreciate his contribution to Melbourne.”
Egan’s departure opened the position for Williams, who was at the helm of Port Adelaide for 273 matches, before being appointed as a Senior Assistant Coach of GWS in its inaugural year.
In 2012, Williams accepted a position with the Richmond Football Club working alongside Damien Hardwick as their Development Coach.
Most recently, Williams has been the Senior Coach of the Werribee Football Club in the VFL, and prior to that, he was Coach of amateur club AJAX in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
A former teacher by trade, Williams had a distinguished playing career which saw him play a combined total of 380 games with West Adelaide (64), Port Adelaide (115), Collingwood (135) and Brisbane Bears (66).
During his time at the Pies, Williams won the Club Best and Fairest in both 1981 and 1985. He was captain of Collingwood from 1983-1986 and its leading goalkicker in 1984.
Following his time at Collingwood, he joined the Brisbane Bears in 1987 where he was named the inaugural vice-captain.
