Port must be tougher: Choco's mum
4:24:27 PM Fri 6 May, 2005
Alan Shiell
Sportal for afl.com.au
Mark Williams has revealed his mother, Von, has given him some coaching tips in the lead-up to Port Adelaide's clash with the Kangaroos at AAMI Stadium on Sunday - Mother's Day.
"She talked about making the most of the opportunities and also playing tough footy, and we didn't see tough footy last week - it was weak - so we need to show that this week," Williams said after Port's lively, vocal training session at AAMI Stadium on Friday.
"She's very much a critic. There's no doubt she doesn't accept performances like that (the 56-point loss to Richmond at Telstra Dome). I know the only (Mother's Day) present she'll be satisfied with is a win for us."
Asked initially whether his mother, who is 81, had given him any advice ahead of Sunday's game, Williams said: "Always. I suppose with Dad not here now, she's carried that through, so all his wonderful coaching tips have come through, as well.
"She goes back to old times and old days (when Williams' late father, Fos, was captain-coach and later non-playing coach of Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL), and even as recently as last year.
"She wants to compare with that and I think all our people do. She's as dedicated to the cause and as committed to us improving and making the finals as anyone."
Paying tribute to his mother and the mothers of all footballers, Williams said: "Mum's always sitting up there as I walk past at every home game and giving me a bit of a pat and encouragement. It's a wonderful thing.
"Footballers in the past have had their dads have a kick with them but, in general, I reckon their mums are the ones who have taken them to the games and got their boots and oranges ready, and all that sort of stuff.
"I know in my case, without Mum, I would never be where I am today. I'm thinking all of us have really relied on our mums to help us."
And in a direct message to Port supporters about Sunday's game, Williams said: "It's a special day to celebrate them, give them a cup of tea, tell them how much you love them and then bring them to the footy and see Port win - what a great day!"
), but I believe if you put them against a great team, or even a team with more than a few contributors, they will fall. Whenever someone mentions that the Saints are the best (I'm not going to doubt that they're one of the 5 best teams in the league) I just think of the Kangaroos match. Granted they were missing Riewoldt and a few others, but if the opposition puts in a solid performance (Which the Eagles will always do, and Brisbane will in September don't you worry) then I feel they're exposed.
