North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has sung Mark Williams’ praises after the experienced mentor was cut by Melbourne.

And while the Kangaroos currently don’t have a spot for the 2004 Port Adelaide premiership coach, Clarkson hopes the increase in the soft cap can open opportunities for clubs to bolster their staff.

The Demons confirmed on Thursday they would part ways with head of development Williams after five years, including playing a key role in their 2021 premiership.

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When asked if Williams was someone he’d look to bring in or have a chat to, Clarkson, who worked under him at Port Adelaide, said: “Yeah, yeah — well, ‘Choco’ has been in the game for a long, long period of time.

“Been in a lot of clubs and been a part of success too.

“He knows what footy’s all about, and I know him very, very well, and he’s just around the corner, so we’ve just got to see.

“I mean all clubs, probably since August 1st are trying to work out what these structures are going to look like.

“There’s probably a little bit more opportunity to appoint people now and resource your coaching staff, a little bit more because of the lift in the soft cap. So we’ll work that out.

“But right at the present time, we don’t have a spot.”

Melbourne’s decision to part with Williams, who has committed to remaining in his role for Casey’s VFL finals campaign, followed the sacking of senior coach Simon Goodwin earlier this month.

Both could remain in the AFL next season.

Goodwin, whose wife is a high-flyer in the Sydney finance world, has already spoken with GWS about a job.

Williams’ Power protege Kane Cornes broke the news of the Demons’ decision on Wednesday night and revealed the veteran coach wants to stay in the AFL.

“He is the most impressive football person that I have ever worked with, and I can also tell you that he’s desperate to continue,” Cornes said.

“He’s 66 years of age and still as determined and hungry for success as ever.

“His phone is on, and he’s ready to accept any opportunities in the AFL, and he’s still as passionate as he always has been.”

Williams is best known for leading Port to the flag but, as well as helping the Demons win the 2021 grand final, also helped launch the GWS Giants before being Richmond’s head of development from 2013-16.

He was let go at the end of the Tigers’ disappointing 2016 campaign, missing out on a role in their three premierships but clearly having made a mark — particularly on Dustin Martin.

Cornes said Williams is an obvious fit for the AFL’s 19th club in Tasmania.

“He’s the most impressive football person that I’ve ever seen, the only person to be there from the ground up at three clubs (Brisbane, Port Adelaide and GWS),” Cornes said.

“That’s why I think it’s a perfect fit at Tassie. No one has the experience with first-up teams like him.

“The passion to help young players and develop them has always been his biggest strength, even when he was a senior coach, that was where his passion lied.

“They’re going to spend at least 12 months before they enter the main competition. So, to be able to develop those players at VFL level as they’re playing and the side is developing under a coach, he’d be a great option.”

But Cornes also thought Williams could be a handy addition to Carlton.

“Their skill level has been much spoken about this year and how poor it’s been,” Cornes said.

“No one is more passionate about developing the skills of the game than Mark Williams.”

- with 7NEWS