Coach John Williams makes promises

AFL: Incoming Across The Waves coach John Williams has promised to return the club to its former glory after the A Grade team failed to make the grand final for the first time in the organisation’s history.

Williams said he would use former players to rebuild the Wide Bay AFL powerhouse after one of the most disappointing years in the club’s proud history.

“There are high expectations, but I’m a coach that goes in there with high expectations too,” Williams said yesterday.

“I expect our team to be there in that we are going to be there on that special day in September.”

Williams, a former player for ATW and Souths, was a shock hire for the club after last season’s coach Shaun Stone did not reapply for the position.

Stone, a valued player for the team, had success in his first two seasons at the club, reaching a grand final in his first season then winning the premiership the next year.

But a player exodus contributed to a disappointing result last season, as Across The Waves slumped to third place.

ATW president Marcus Verdel said the club decided to move on after three seasons under Stone.

“Shaun has been a great coach for our club and he knows that we still want him to be a part of the club,” he said.

Stone opted against applying for the head coach position next year so he could focus on player development.

And the veteran may even pull on the boots again next season.