Port Adelaide's only AFL premiership coach Mark Williams has used his Hall of Fame induction to advocate for Indigenous footballers and a 'Yes' vote in the Voice referendum.
In a passionate and wide-ranging speech at Melbourne's Crown Casino, the life-long football champion ended the function in stirring style.
Joking he was given the hard task of following iconic broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, Williams need not have worried as he delivered a memorable acceptance speech.
The 64-year-old said he remained in football, currently at Melbourne, due to his love of working with people from all backgrounds.
"The Aboriginal people, I absolutely love. I really admire the AFL for talking and standing up for the 'Yes' vote for the Voice," Williams said.
"I am saying we have to do the right thing and understand how bloody hard it is for the Aboriginal players to make their way in the AFL.
"We need to support them and understand them.
"When we get them there, make sure we give them opportunity and then absolutely demand the best from them and expect the best."
Williams used the 2004 grand final when he coached Port to their sole premiership as an example of First Nations players starring on the biggest stage.
Byron Pickett won the Norm Smith Medal, while fellow Indigenous Power teammates Gavin Wanganeen, Peter Burgoyne and Shaun Burgoyne also played key roles in Port's 40-point victory over the all-conquering Brisbane Lions.
"I want them to be best on ground, not just making up the numbers," Williams said.
"On grand final day, that's what we saw when Port Adelaide won."
Williams enjoyed an illustrious playing career in the SANFL with Port Adelaide, before taking his talents to the VFL/AFL at Collingwood and Brisbane.
His father, Fos, was part of the inaugural intake into the Australian Football Hall of Fame back in 1996 as a nine-time premiership coach with Port Adelaide in the SANFL.
Mark would coach Port in the AFL for more than a decade, and has also had senior assistant roles at Essendon, GWS, Richmond, and now the Demons.
Williams worked under coaching icon Kevin Sheedy at Essendon and GWS, declaring during his speech there should be a statue of the four-time Bombers premiership coach outside of the MCG.
