AFL
3 months ago
Wakelin endorses Port Adelaide premiership coach for West Coast job
By Andrew Slevison
Darryl Wakelin firmly believes Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams should be giving another opportunity to coach at the highest level.
Wiliams is currently the head of development at Melbourne but would be a great candidate for the Eagles vacancy according to his former key defender.
The man affectionately known as ‘Choco’ guided the Power to their first and only (to date) AFL flag back in 2004 and recently coached Werribee in the VFL in 2019 and 2020.
Wakelin said he if he were Eagles CEO Don Pyke he’d be calling anyone at all in a bid to put together a strong list of candidates, and wouldn’t shy away from current Port coach Ken Hinkley.
“Oh hell yeah, absolutely,” Wakelin said on SEN’s The Run Home when asked if he’d pursue Hinkley.
“You’ve got to throw the blanket. Every club would be remiss not to put the phone call into anyone, which it sounds like they’re doing.
“I’m not sure if Pyke has been ruled out himself. Obviously with his disappointing finish at Adelaide I’m sure he would have been tempted.”
And Wakelin certainly would not look beyond Williams given his man-management skills and ability to build strong foundations at a footy club.
The 66-year-old tasted the ultimate success with the Power two decades ago and still continues to have an impact at the elite level, named the AFLCA Development Coach of the Year in 2023.
“There are some great coaches out there. Every second year or so a really good young coach comes through,” Wakelin added.
“But I’d be putting a call into ‘Choco’ Williams as well. Why can’t a guy like him (do it)? He is the best man manager, as far as spotting talent not only with footballers but with assistant coaches, conditioning coaches.
“If you look at his record it’s as good as any as far as spotting up-and-coming talent in the industry. And to bring a group together, to build a whole football department, he’s as good as there was and ahead of his time, certainly in the early 2000s.
“It’s still bewildered me that Choco hasn’t been given another gig. I’d love to see him get another gig.”
Williams’ name has not yet been linked with the Eagles job which is currently held by caretaker Jarrad Schofield, who also played in that Port premiership 20 years ago.
Wakelin is set to play for the All Stars in the upcoming State Of Origin clash against Victoria on August 28.
