By Tara Murray
AFL premiership coach Mark Williams has been appointed Werribee Football Club’s new coach.
Werribee announced on Tuesday night that they had signed the former Port Adelaide coach for the next three seasons.
He replaces John Lamont, who stepped down after five seasons in charge.
Williams said the combination of the facilities and the newly redeveloped Avalon Airport Oval, along with the opportunities presented by Werribee’s move to standalone club made the senior coaching role an exciting prospect.
Since leaving Port Adelaide in 2010, Williams has had roles at Essendon and Richmond. He’s coached Victorian Amateur Football Association side Ajax the last two seasons.
“The truth is I love coaching and with Werribee taking such a professional approach by inviting me down and showing me what I can only describe as a top-class training facility and oval, I thought this is as good as it gets,” Williams said.
“I’ve seen how terrifically Williamstown and Port Melbourne have done as standalone clubs, and I thought this was a great opportunity with Werribee being the only standalone team in the outer western suburbs.
“For any kid who misses the draft I’m really looking forward to trying to help them to get into the AFL, and I encourage them to come down to Werribee and show us what they can do.”
Werribee football operations manager Stuart Balloch hailed the signing as a huge coup for the club given Williams’ achievements and reputation for the development of young talent.
“It’s not every day you get an AFL premiership coach join your club,” he said.
“It’s a massive appointment for our club, and I trust that Mark’s experience, profile, and drive for success will carry our club to new and exciting levels.”
