MILLICENT football coach Clint Gallio has announced his departure from the club after winning the 2018 Western Border Football League A Grade premiership.
Gallio will head north to try his luck in the NTFL, which runs from October to March, with the Southern Districts Crocs, who he previously spent some time with late in 2016 prior to heading to the Saints.
From there he will try his luck in the NEAFL, with the plan to stay on for a “couple of years” if possible.
Gallio came to Millicent from Mount Burr, after claiming five premierships with the Mozzies, along with best-on-ground and Mail Medal performances.
He took over the position as the Saints’ playing coach from Steve Duldig at the end of the 2016 season and had an immediate effect.
However, a serious knee injury thwarted his efforts on ground as a player for around three quarters of the 2017 season.
His return came mid-way through 2018, where his Saints were already pushing for top position on the ladder, in a tough battle with Casterton Sandford for the honours.
The Cats would go on to claim the minor premiership, but the Saints took home the ultimate prize.
The premiership was something Gallio was pleased to finish his time at the club with.
“I am pretty excited to have won a premiership before leaving the club,” he said.
“It was good to finish on a high – it is bittersweet I guess as it would be great to play again after the win, but I cannot turn down an opportunity like playing in the Territory.
“It is a strong league, so I will play it by ear.
“I have played up there a couple of seasons ago when I was on holidays and thought I would move up there and have a decent go at it.”
Gallio said he hoped to play for the Northern Territory Thunder, although said it was sad to leave Millicent after such a successful season.
“If things don’t work out, I’ll try and come down and play a few games,” he said.
Former coach and Saints stalwart Steve Duldig says he has no plans to return to the helm and wishes Gallio all the best in his ventures.
“Clint and I have become best mates and he has been amazing for our club,” he said.
“I am proud to have had him as our coach.”
