VAFA 2021: Ex-AFL player Clay Smith links with Williamstown CYMS

A member of Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership team has taken a coaching role at a VAFA club. Could he take the field this season?

Clay Smith has taken a coaching job at Williamstown CYMS. Picture: Getty Images

Western Bulldogs premiership player Clay Smith has joined Williamstown CYMS’ coaching ranks.

And the 27-year-old could take the field for the Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier C club this season.

Smith retired in 2018 after 55 games and 43 goals for the Bulldogs at the elite level and featured in their drought-breaking flag in 2016.

The forward underwent three reconstructions on his right knee and ultimately lost the passion for football.

But he has linked with Williamstown CYMS as midfield coach in a major boost for two-time premiership mentor Mathew Montebello’s team.

Clay Smith (left) after the Dogs 2016 flag. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We’re never going to say never,” CYs vice president Rod Ford said when asked if Smith could play this season.

“Initially it’s coaching, but if he gets a taste for it … that’s probably what’s encouraging for us.

“He fell out of love for footy, just with the injuries … he just walked away.

“I don’t think he’d given footy a thought for the last couple of years.

“Monty has met his parents and they’re saying he’s a different person now that he’s found footy again.

“He literally hasn’t missed a beat since joining the club. Hasn’t missed a session and we’re just rapt to have him.”

Ford said the CYs’ young playing list appealed to Smith, with the club making contact and sealing the appointment through mutual connections.

Smith has been taking part in some training in addition to his coaching duties.

“I think he’s still doing a bit of rehab on his knee. Obviously after (three) knee recos, you’re a bit beaten up,” Ford said.

“But from what I’ve seen, he’s doing the warm-up drills and just the stationary kicking drills with the boys.”

Ford said Smith brought a “current AFL mindset” as the CYs prepare to make the giant step to Premier B.

They completed an undefeated campaign in Premier C in 2019, while they finished minor premier the previous year before being eliminated in the preliminary final.

“We don’t get a lot of that (AFL experience),” Ford said.

“We’ve got blokes on the VFL list down at Willi and they get a different view.

“But this is a different level again, which is what’s got us excited.”

Ford said the CYs had displayed encouraging signs in their practice matches ahead of a Round 1 appointment with Beaumaris on April 10.

2019 co-captain Fin Adamson and former skipper Jack Gray have retired, while work commitments have forced Nick Blackney to take a break.

But they have gained two VFL-listed players in Max Philpot (Williamstown) and Josh Kellett (Footscray).