The capacity for Mark ‘Choco’ Williams to think outside the box is one of his most endearing qualities.
Throughout a long coaching career in the AFL, Williams has been renowned for his left-field thinking.
And, it’s something he’s clearly brought with him into his new role as Richmond’s development coach.
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The man who guided Port Adelaide to the AFL premiership in 2004, was recently guiding a group of young Richmond players through a series of unique hook turns while driving in Melbourne’s CBD.
“If you come from interstate, the Victorian people think that everyone does it (the hook turn), but, unfortunately, they don’t,” he told ‘Roar Vision’.
“We went around and round in circles in the middle of the city for a while and got them to try some of those. So, that was good.”
Williams, who joined Richmond late last year following a stint as Kevin Sheedy’s senior assistant at Greater Western Sydney, also has set the Tiger cubs an assignment that he hopes will will enrich their Yellow and Black knowledge.
“At the moment, we’re looking at the history of the Club...looking at some of the best players and names around the place,” he said.
“I want them to investigate who they are and why they are held in such high esteem at the Club.”
Williams has settled in extremely well at Tigerland and is thriving in his role.
“My background is I’m a Phys. Ed. teacher. I’m into coaching, I love the hands-on stuff,” he said.
“I really enjoy helping people improve their kicking, their goalkicking.
“Jack (Riewoldt) and I are having a few contests at the moment. There’s a bit of friendly banter and friendly competition, so we’ll see how we go by the end of the year.”