PREMIERSHIP player Lyndon Smith will take charge of the Millicent Saints for 2019 as senior playing coach in succession to Clint Gallio, who is moving to Darwin after two seasons at the helm.
According to a club statement, Smith is well placed to keep Millicent at the top of the Western Border Football League.
“Since joining the Saints in 2017, Smith has been a member of the leadership group, which will assist him in the transition of his new coaching role,” the Saints statement said.
“He leads by example on the field with his determination to throw himself into packs and put his head over the ball.”
Smith is a durable player who seldom misses a game due to injury.
“Coaching has definitely been something that I wanted to do and could see myself doing in the future if the opportunity arose,” Smith told The Border Watch Newsgroup.
“This year being part of the leadership group along with Clint Gallio, Steve Duldig, Matt Duldig, Tom Hutchesson, Dylan Bromley and Craig Turner has resulted in exposure to other great leaders that have further developed my own coaching skills.
“Although I am sure it will come with challenges, overwhelming support from Clint, the club supporters, my premiership teammates and my wife Jemma in the end made the decision to coach easy.
“I am looking forward to the months leading up to Round 1 as we prepare our assault on the 2019 season.
“Along with Clint, our assistant coach Craig Turner has stepped down after two years and will both be missed greatly.
“We wish them all the best for the future.
“I am very fortunate to announce Chris Denton will be our new assistant coach for the season 2019.
“I am up to the challenge and bring on 2019.”
Originally from South Gambier, the on-baller was recruited to Millicent from Tantanoola where he had spent four non-consecutive seasons dating back to 2011.
During that time Smith captained the Tigers and represented the Mid South East Football League at interleague level.
He played 63 games for Tantanoola, made 21 appearances in the best players and booted 40 goals.
So far for Millicent, Smith has played 31 games, kicked six majors and had 13 mentions in the club’s best players.
