Ex-Port coach Mark Williams wants Hawthorn to give Jarryd Roughead a farewell game
Both Jarryd Roughead and Mark ‘Choco’ Williams are connected through their battles with cancer. The ex-Power coach says he has a job waiting for the Hawthorn champ, but first the Hawks must give him a farewell.
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Former Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams says Jarryd Roughead should “100 per cent” be given a farewell game by Hawthorn and Alastair Clarkson.
Roughead, 32, had just 10 disposals in Box Hill’s VFL loss to Werribee yesterday, splitting his time in defence and attack.
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Clarkson watched on as his former captain and four-time premiership player struggled to impact the contest on a wet and blustery day.
But Williams, who has guided Werribee to its first finals appearance since 2015, paid tribute to Roughead and his career after the game.
“He came up to see me afterwards, Roughy and I have known each other since the day he got drafted,” Williams said.
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“So it was lovely, I said ‘I’ve watched you the whole time, I’ve admired you, both of us have had cancer so we have something in common and the way he overcame that he’s been an inspiration.
“Not just for the Hawks but to anyone in football and such a wonderful caring sort of person, so I certainly wish him all the best in the future.”
Williams said if Roughead wanted to start his coaching career with him next year he’d love it, but hopes there’s a farewell game before then.
“100 per cent (I hope he gets a farewell AFL game),” he said.
“I know Clarko, and I’m telling Clarko ‘come on mate, get him in, 100 per cent.
“What he can do (by playing Roughead), it’s not about this week or this month, it’s about the legend of Hawthorn and Clarko I’m sure will make the right decision.”
Werribee, led by Michael Barlow, 42 touches and seven tackles, and Tom Gribble, 32 touches and seven tackles, outlasted Box Hill 11.10 (76) to 7.9 (51).
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