What a start to the season it has been for Melbourne. Sitting at 9-0 the club is perfectly placed to return to finals action for the first time since 2018.
Simon Goodwin, the coaching staff, and the players deserve a lot of credit for what has been a remarkable start to the year for a club under extreme pressure to perform after a disappointing 2020 season.
Barring catastrophic disaster, the Demons will play finals and are perfectly placed for a top-four finish and tilt at the 2021 premiership.
One arrival in the off-season that has had a significant impact in the reversal of fortunes for Melbourne is Mark Williams.
The former Port Adelaide coach joined the club in a head of development role in December last year.
Williams has received plenty of plaudits for his work to date, his role with a heavy focus on working with the young players on the list but improving the skills of the whole squad.
In an interview last month Demon midfielder Ed Langdon could not have been stronger in his praise of the 2004 premiership coach.
“It’s probably the biggest individual impact apart from head coach that somebody can have on a football club. It’s been great what he’s doing for the young guys”
Simon Goodwin also spoke glowingly on the influence Williams has had in a relatively short period of time.
“He comes from a rich family that wins. He’s got an unbelievable ability to develop players in a whole range of different ways and he brings a great kicking program to our footy club. He’s got a lot of passion and a lot of enthusiasm.”
The last time I penned an article on Mark Williams it could be suggested I was less than favourable.
So, what has changed? One of the major obstacles I focused on was the fact Williams had not been involved at an AFL club that has won a final since 2007.
All being equal that narrative should change this year. After a significant period without finals success at any level Choco ticked this box off while coaching Werribee at VFL level.
The 62-year-old has been realistic when interviewed in recent years about his chances of landing another job in the hot seat. Age may be barrier as well as perceived personality traits that can rub people the wrong way.
A football veteran, Williams has declared he is loving what he is doing at Melbourne currently and who knows if he still aspires to be an AFL senior coach.
At the very least the reputation of Mark Williams seems to have been re-established by the performances of the high-flying Demons.
Willie
Roar Rookie
Good luck to him. Interesting that an ex Crows captain gave him this opportunity. I wonder if Collingwood will be touching base with him.
Chris
Guest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJqimlFcJsM Football's Coming Home! Make that Choco's Coming Home!!!!
Chris
Guest
He'll get the Maggies chewing metal 24/7. There is a longing to right a wrong and this is the moment of truth!
Chris
Guest
Four time Collingwood captain and two-time Copeland Trophy winner. There's only place he's going and that's HOME! His mate Peter Daicos is waiting for him and his fellow South Australian Craig Kelly is already talking to him. I'd say Graham Wright remembers him rather well, too. Family Reunion is on the cards...
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I wished l could've seen it. We were lucky to get away with that defensive handball. I had thought rule was if you were under pressure you could do that but maybe not. ------ SA is a bit like Hotel California, "You're can checkout anytime you like but you can never leave"
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Top Stuff Rowdy you must be rapt!
Pelican
Roar Rookie
Haha Ross Lyon. You would only wish him apon your enemies
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'd be loving that. Sven will be rootin for us as well.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Rowdy next Sunday your boys have the spectacular opportunity to knock the Mighty Tigers out of Final 8 calculations Good Luck Mate!!!!
Footyguy
Guest
Robert harvey should leave collingwood, he has been a great assistant coach and deserves a gig big time
Footyguy
Guest
Inspirational story Hope choco gets another coaching gig Maybe hawthorn?
FabPhil
Roar Rookie
Choco is quirky and crazy in a good way - a bit like how Blight was. I'd love for him to be back at Collingwood in one role or another. Judging by his remarks on the Sacked podcast, I don't think he is all that foreign to the idea of coaching again, given he is guaranteed to have things his own way. It seems he has a reputation for rubbing people up the wrong way and clubs want to keep him on a proverbial leash while making the most of what he has to offer. I assume that's the main reason he isn't coaching at the moment - not that he doesn't want to but because no club is willing to bite that big a bullet.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
lol.love a red and blue saving a black and white
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
I tried a lighthearted comment about who’d want to be a senior coach considering the awesome carnage that seems to pile up year on year for those who try to ride the tiger but apparently it raised several red flags. Suffice to say maybe Chocco is pretty happy mentoring players and coaches outside of the limelight? He’s universally respected. I really liked that Port team - Byron Pickett; Wanganeen et al bloody hard as nails. Good luck to him.
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Choco was always known as a great coach. Allegedly he was a bit quirky, and that put off the administrators. So for Choco being a little different in management style... never got another shot as he should have. Be great for the game if Choco was lead coach again. Players play for him, a great person brings out the best in people... Dusty has never looked back...
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I love seeing a Port bloke in Red n Blue.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Was fantastic in his time at Richmond, particularly with the kids.
Seano
Roar Rookie
I was vocal on forums that we should have grabbed him post Worsfold but was laughed off. GWS would have won a flag if they kept Chocco and binned Leon.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Choco seems to be really enjoying his role at Melbourne not sure he would wants to leave. Outstanding performance by Melbourne thus far look forward to the bout in R11.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I miss choco. I've always hated how things ended with him and we need choco down at Port with his bucket of soapy water and teach these guys how to handle and kick a ball.