Leigh Matthews has thrown a nomination on the left field in the North Melbourne coaching ring.
Following the dismissal of David Noble on Tuesday, part of the conversation has been directed at the main candidates for the role.
VFL / AFL legend Matthews believes a top-tier coach, who is still involved at the top level, could be a viable option for the Kangaroos.
This man is former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams.
“You can only get the best option available whoever is ready to do it,” Matthews told Sportsday.
“Mark Williams is a first – class coach who has toured the world of football.
“Obviously he didn’t get the job at the Giants when he was Kevin Sheedy’s 2IC (second in charge), but they moved on to someone else.
“However, in terms of credibility, ‘Choco’ has it. In fact, he is a top tier coach and has still been involved in football clubs.
“It’s not like he hasn’t trained for a decade and suddenly comes back.”
Gerard Healy agrees with Matthews’ feelings, saying Williams, 63, has qualities that fit the bill of a club like North.
“I would definitely put them on the map,” Healy said.
“He’s an animator, he’s a promoter, he’s very cut with Kevin Sheedy’s cloth.
“Maybe you had a fantastic nomination because from the outside it looks like he can fill the gap as much as anyone.”
Williams last coached his own AFL team in Port Adelaide in 2010, but recently enjoyed a stint at the helm of VFL club Werribee during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
He played a development role with Richmond from 2013 to 2016 before returning to the AFL in late 2020 when he joined Melbourne, where he is currently the head of development.