A man has faced court over the execution-style murder of Victorian father and footballer Bernie Williams almost 40 years ago.
Peter Raymond Brown, 62, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Monday afternoon charged with one count of murder.
Mr Williams' body was found on a bush track in Bullengarook, northwest of Melbourne, on March 3, 1984.
The 25-year-old Melton man had been tied up and shot several times.
Before the hearing, Victoria Police Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Scarlett told reporters that Mr Williams was well known locally for being physically strong and he would have put up a fight.
Police are still trying to piece together a motive for the killing, and detectives believe at least two people were involved in Mr William's death due to the sheer size of the promising ruckman.
"We don't believe Bernie was involved in any criminal activity but we are aware of some personal relationships in the Melton area and this remains an active line of investigation," Det Sen Sgt Scarlett said.
A $1 million reward posted in 2017 for information about the crime is still on offer.
"Bernie's family has been grieving this for a long time and are happy that someone has been charged, but they know this investigation is ongoing," he said.
Det Sen Sgt Scarlett said the accused man had been interviewed by detectives many years ago.
Brown has been remanded in custody to face court again on June 14.
