Williams’ contract is believed to be almost complete, nearly three weeks after the club decided to keep the premiership coach.
Williams said the club had dealt with the negotiations well, while at the same time trying to concentrate on the team landing a spot in the top eight.
“The club have been terrific. Initially they said it would be two to three weeks (to finalise and sign the contract) and that’s kind of what it’s going to be,” Williams said.
“In between trying to negotiate contracts, what we are doing is focusing on the footy.
“The club have got a lot of things on, I’ve obviously got the footy on, so next week (I’m looking to finalise the contract).”
However, Williams was forced to refute comments made by his brother-in-law Dr Mark Ralfe about suggestions that money was an issue.
Ralfe’s comments in the Adelaide Advertiser from an Adelaide talkback radio show (KG and the General) claimed contract negotiations were “driving him (Williams) nuts” and that Williams could be sacked “based on his players’ behaviour”.
“I’m obviously disappointed about the way it’s been reported,” Williams said.
“Mark has no role in my negotiations, so anything he wants to say is what he says.
“It’s better left unsaid, but Mark and I have talked about it.”
Ahead of Sunday’s clash against the West Coast Eagles, Peter Burgoyne and Josh Carr have been dropped from the side that lost by 11 points to Melbourne last week.
Matt Thomas and Tom Logan also missed training, meaning a debut for third-round draft pick Matthew Broadbent.
Williams didn’t rule out a return for the out of form Josh Carr, who has been dropped for the third time this season.
The pre-season draft pick has struggled to find the form that persuaded Port to bring the premiership player back to South Australia.
“He’s just out of the side and so he’ll go back and play a game or two there (in the SANFL) and see if he can get in some really good form so we can put him back in when the big games come at the end of the year,” Williams said.
