South Adelaide player Reece Slape takes on playing-coach role at Goolwa/Port Elliot for season 2023

A local footy club has signed a SANFL player as its new coach as it looks to rebound from a winless 2022 season.

A local footy club will be coached by a SANFL experienced player this season after suffering a winless 2022.

South Adelaide player Reece Slape has taken on the role of playing-coach at Great Southern Football League club Goolwa/Port Elliot after joining the Magpies from Goodwood.

The half-back had played for Goodwood since the age of 11 but decided to join Goolwa/Port Elliot for the opportunity to lead a young side back to success.

“It was very, very tough to leave Goodwood – Luke Donaldson is hands down the best coach I’ve ever had and telling him I was moving wasn’t easy,” Slape said of his decision.

“I’ve had ambitions of being a playing-coach for a while, I didn’t think an opportunity would come up this soon but I’m pretty pleased to know the club believes in me and thinks I’m the best fit.

South Adelaide defender Reece Slape will be playing-coach of Goolwa/Port Elliot in 2023. Picture: SANFL

“Once I had a chat with Goolwa/Port Elliot I understood the trajectory the club was heading in and I believe I can take the team forward with my ability and leadership.”

Slape was a standout for Goodwood in the Adelaide Footy League’s top division last season and also played three league games with South Adelaide, kicking a goal and averaging 10 touches.

He believed his experience would help his young Magpies side as it looked to bounce back from a winless season.

“I was fortunate enough to get some time in League footy last year with Jarrad Wright at South Adelaide and I’ve been very lucky to have him, Luke Donaldson and my brother Josh to learn from through my career,” Slape said.

“With such a young playing group – our average age is about 22 to 23 – what I’ve tried to do is not over-complicate things.

Slape (right) contests a ball against Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Picture: Dean Martin

“The club has been unbelievable for me so far and we’ve got a really enthusiastic group. “We’re building something and we want to be exciting, respected and tough to play against, really give the community something to get behind.”

Goolwa/Port Elliot has recruited well in the pre-season, also picking up Goodwood veterans Jacob Hughes and Tom Barry along with Slape.

While Slape believed the list was talented and with potential, he would not place any expectations on his new side.

“We don’t want to put a ceiling on where we can go, we’re definitely still in a transition phase and we’re going to have some ups and downs.

“I’m not worried too much about wins and losses at the moment, we want to just drive the culture and build something we can experience success from going forward.”