FOOTBALL great Mark Williams has been named as a Collingwood life member at the club's Annual General Meeting on Thursday night.

Williams played 135 games for the Magpies between 1981 and 1986 and won two Copeland Trophies in his time at the club (1981 and 1985).

"The first club that recruits you over to the AFL and gives you the opportunity is the one you hold very dearly," Williams told AFL.com.au.

"We had some great times. We had some great wins and played in KB's (Kevin Bartlett) 400th game, played in the game where there was the biggest crowd at Waverley Park

"All those sorts of things. That's only because it's Collingwood and as Eddie (McGuire) said 'It's the biggest game in town.'"

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He also appeared 66 times for the Brisbane Bears from 1987 and 1990.

Affectionately known as 'Choco,' Williams also played 64 games for West Adelaide and 115 for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL.

The highlight of Williams' coaching career was leading Port Adelaide to the 2004 AFL premiership.

His coaching career at Port Adelaide spanned 274 games from 1999-2010.

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Williams finished with a 151-121 (and two draws) win-loss record during his time as coach at the Power.

He is now an assistant coach with Richmond, following a two-year stint at Greater Western Sydney as Kevin Sheedy's right-hand man.

Williams, 56, was diagnosed with lymphoma – a cancer that attacks the immune system – in November and immediately began treatment.

He continues his treatment while combining his work at Richmond, and his prognosis is positive.

"It's going OK," Williams said.

"Richmond's been great. They give me time in the afternoon for treatment so I can come and do all the training with the players and then get away and then come and do all the training the next morning."

Premiership player Luke Ball and Magpie administrator David Emerson were also presented with life membership.