Australian Football

Serviceable rather than spectacular, small forward Mark Williams found it hard to nail down a regular spot at either of his AFL clubs. He joined Carlton from St Mark’s and spent four seasons (1983-6) with the club but only played 19 VFL games and scored 10 goals. A two season stint at Footscray followed, but once again he spent most of his time in the twos, making just 14 senior appearances and booting 13 goals.

While with the Blues he played in two reserves premiership-winning sides and was also a member of their 1983 night premiership combination.

The final three seasons of Williams’ playing career took place in the VFA, initially with Coburg, where he played eight games and kicked 20 goals in 1991, and then in 1992-3 with Sandringham, where his 11 appearances (for 30 goals) included a victorious grand final against Williamstown in the former year.

Since his retirement as a player Mark Williams has enjoyed considerable success as a coach, including steering the last club for which he played, Sandringham, to a hat trick of flags.

Author - John Devaney