Marley Williams joins Southern club Port Melbourne Colts
The former Magpie and Kangaroo will play local football next year, signing to play in Division 1 of the Southern league.
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There was a hint of what was coming on Marley Williams’s Instagram account.
The left-footer thanked Collingwood for “giving me my first crack’’ at the AFL and North Melbourne for “giving me my last’’.
He said he had made many friends and played with “some of the greats of the game, and I’m grateful’’.
“Little bit of relief for you small (forwards) next year. But it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life … and I couldn’t be more excited! Local footy here I come babyyy.’’
He put the colours red and blue in the post, and it happened to be liked by Port Melbourne Colts president Stephen Duvnjak.
The Colts, of course, wear red and blue, and there was quickly talk that Williams might be on his way to the Southern league Division 1 club.
Duvnjak confirmed it this morning.
In a coup for the club and the competition, the 27-year-old has agreed to terms with the Colts, bringing to Murphy Reserve the experience of 125 AFL matches, 68 for the Pies and 57 for the Roos.
Recruited from WA, he made his league debut in 2012.
Duvnjak said it wasn’t every day that a local club signed a player straight from the AFL (Williams played eight games for North Melbourne this year).
He said Williams lived near the Colts’ ground and was friends with a few of the players.
Colts great Jason Clarke was instrumental in him joining the club.
“Jason got wind that Marley was looking to start a new career and we helped him get some work,’’ Duvnjak said.
“He’s excited to be with us. He’s actually one of the most excited players on the list. He can’t wait to play. He’ll be very good to watch in the league.’’
Williams has another link to the club: his association with Colts star Chris Deluca from when they both played in the WAFL.
Duvnjak said Port Melbourne Colts had reached “destination status’’ in local football.
The Colts have also locked in former Richmond forward Jake King for 2021, on top of the earlier signings of Western Region top-liner Kwame McHarg.
They will be coached by ex-Melbourne defender Graeme Yeats, who was appointed to replace former Western Bulldogs star Lindsay Gilbee.
Duvnjak said Gilbee had decided to play next year.
“He wants to get up as many games as he can. He’s been a big part of building up the side,’’ the president said.
Gilbee coached the Colts to the finals in 2019, his first year with the club, but stood down this year because of family and work demands.
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