An unexpected figure has joined the Australian cricket field shrouded in history ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test against India.
AFL head coach Mark Williams, a legendary AFL figure, was seen at the MCG sporting a Cricket Australia polo during the team's main training session.
Williams, 66, is best known for leading Port Adelaide to its first AFL premiership in 2004.
Throughout his extensive coaching career he has amassed 273 senior coaching matches, including spells at Melbourne, GWS and Richmond.
He currently serves as head of development in Melbourne, where he played a pivotal role in his 2021 premiership victory.
Although he has not been a senior AFL coach since 2010, Williams remains a respected mentor in Australian sport.
Mark Williams is a celebrated AFL player and coach and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
He has been seen with the Australian cricket team ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
“It's been fantastic for us,” Melbourne senior Ben Brown said.
“The way he fits in with the general mentality of the coaching group, I think everyone really enjoyed having him at the club.
“He brings an incredible amount of excitement to football. I think it's better that the game has Choco Williams involved.”
Williams' contributions to Australian football were honored this year when he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
His illustrious playing career at Collingwood saw him captain the club from 1983 to 1986 and win multiple accolades, including the Copeland Trophy in 1981 and 1985.
Collingwood club president Jeff Browne said Williams has left a lasting legacy at the club.
“The Collingwood faithful loved him from the moment he first pulled on the black and white jersey; he gave absolutely everything every time he played and his commitment never wavered,” he said.
Williams is not the first AFL coach to join the cricket team during a key Test series.
The Australians have made several changes to their team, including the addition of fast bowler Jhye Richardson.
Former Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew has also been previously seen with the Australian cricket team.
In 2023, former Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew appeared for the Australian team in England during the Ashes.
Dew, a close friend of Travis Head, was seen with the entire Australian training squad at Old Trafford, even inspecting the pitch before a net session.
Australian captain Pat Cummins welcomed Dew's presence, jokingly remarking, “It's good Stuey could have a holiday here.”
“He knows some of the guys pretty well, so it's good to have him around.”
As Australia prepares for the fourth Test, all eyes will be on the MCG where 19-year-old Sam Konstas will make history.
Konstas, who replaces Nathan McSweeney in the team, will become Australia's youngest Test opener since 1929.
At 19 years and 85 days, the New South Wales prodigy will surpass Archie Jackson's 95-year-old record as the youngest Australian to open a Test.
Jackson scored 164 on debut, and Australia will be hoping for a similar performance from Konstas.
India's preparations have been marred by concerns over Rohit Sharma, who suffered a knee injury during training.
Despite the setback, team officials remain optimistic about the captain's availability for the match.