EFNL Premier Division 2024: Andrew Williams appointed Berwick coach for 2025

Fresh from a year off coaching, former AFL man Andrew Williams “can’t wait to get into it” after landing at Eastern Premier club Berwick as its new mentor.

Andrew Williams calling the shots at Monbulk. Picture: Hamish Blair

Berwick has unveiled its new senior coach – with former AFL Eagle and Magpie Andrew Williams taking the reins.

Fresh from a season off coaching, Williams led Outer East club Monbulk for five years following time as head of development and senior assistant at the Northern Blues in the VFL.

As a player he won a premiership with Williamstown after his seven-year, 116-game AFL career finished in 2005.

Williams, who replaces Clint Evans at the Wickers’ helm, said a call from the outgoing mentor helped pique the interest to coach again after finishing at the end of 2023.

“I felt like I was a little bit tired towards the end of the time at Monbulk,” Williams said.

“Obviously footy’s been a massive part of my life … since six or seven years old I’ve had something to do with football clubs.

“I quickly realised there was a bit of a void – I was enjoying watching my son play under-19s at Beaconsfield this year, but not being involved (as a senior coach) was hard for me at times.

“I certainly felt like I was always going to get back into it.

“It was perfect timing, and the Berwick job was made available. I’m good friends with Clint Evans … he actually gave me a call asking if there was any interest.

“It all happened pretty quickly, but I’m really excited about it.”

Williams played 84 AFL games for West Coast from 1998-2002 and 32 for Collingwood between 2003 and 2005. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Dealt a host of experienced names exiting the club at the end of last year, the youthful Wickers have won just one match this season.

Williams said he was looking forward to the challenge of developing the club’s emerging talent.

“That’s right in my wheelhouse – my time in the VFL was all about developing and the craft element of finding improvements in your game,” he said.

“From everything I’ve seen and heard, they’re a terrific young group who want to learn and get better and take their footy to another level.

“I can’t wait to get into it, to be honest.”

The incoming coach said player retention would be among his top priorities this off-season, while recruiting was also on the radar.

“We’ll certainly be chatting to players,” Williams said.

Berwick faces the prospect of relegation to Division 1 this weekend in its final-round meeting with last-placed Norwood.

Aware of the ramifications of a win or a loss, Williams said: “It’s certainly not the end of the world.”

He added: “The aim is to stay up and play the best footy you can for as long as you can and that’s every club’s goal.

“This week poses a bit of a grand final for both clubs, but either way it’s still going to be exciting for the footy club.

“I’ve been really supported well early days by the footy club and thank them for the opportunity.”