FORMER Hawthorn premiership star Mark Williams has been appointed Newport Power’s inaugural senior coach.
The Power will be fielding a senior side in the WRFL’s Division Three competition in 2016, with the sharpshooter committing to the club in a playing coach role.
Williams, burst onto the AFL scene back in 2005 when he kicked 63 goals, making him the club’s leading goal kicker.
He backed up his standout year with another 60-goal season in 2006.
A knee injury in 2007 meant Williams wasn’t able to replicate the same form from the previous two seasons, managing just four games for the year.
However, in 2008, his AFL dream of winning a premiership became a reality with the Hawks claiming the flag with a memorable win against the Cats.
Williams booted three goals in the match and was one of the best players on the ground.
A trade in 2009 then saw the small forward go to the Essendon Football Club.
After a short stint with the Bombers, Williams decided to try his hand at country footy, playing with Ballan in the Central Highlands Football League in 2012.
He took over the coaching late into the 2013 season after Ballan’s coach Darron Batties departed the club.
He continued to coach the club over the next few years, with Ballan losing to Gordon in this year’s preliminary final.
Williams will be joined by John Rayner on Newport Power’s coaching panel.
Rayner was based at the Hillside Football Club in the EDFL, he spent his junior playing days with Strathmore, while also playing footy with Talbot.
Newport Power president Stephen Martyn said 2016 was already shaping up to be a promising season.
“It has taken 12 years of successful junior development to allow us to start our senior teams, which we hope will assist in having home grown talent play in the seniors for many years to come,” he said.
Newport Power’s pre-season will begin on November 23 at Bryan Martyn oval at 6pm.
Last Modified on 17/11/2015 11:26