Richmond have confirmed former Greater Western Sydney assistant coach Mark Williams will join the Tigers as a development coach.
Williams guided GWS’s young guns for two full seasons – their maiden AFL campaign this year and the 2011 NEAFL competition – and had long been tipped to assume the reins from coach Kevin Sheedy.
But Sheedy was reappointed for 2013 last week, and Williams asked for a release from the final year of his contract on Saturday.
It was granted and Williams, who guided Port Adelaide to their sole AFL premiership in 2004, linked with the Tigers on Sunday.
“Mark has an outstanding pedigree as a coach, in particular with the development of young players, and we’re thrilled to have him join our coaching group,” said Richmond’s general manager of football Craig Cameron.
“We have worked hard to build an exciting playing list over the past few years, and we believe Mark will really help add to the progression of the group.”
Williams coached Port from 1999-2010, guiding the club to two grand final appearances.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick spent three seasons playing under Williams at Port Adelaide and was a member of their 2004 premiership side.
Tigers midfield and stoppage coach Brendon Lade also played under Williams in the 2004 grand final.