VAFA: University Blues appoint decorated midfielder Matt Smith as its next coach

A VAFA Premier club has turned to an experienced and decorated player to steer it into its next phase. He reveals his coaching strategy, an update on the list and what he thinks his new side can achieve.

Matt Smith won BOG in Heidelberg’s 2022 premiership. Picture: Ben Higgins

New University Blues coach Matt Smith says his side is eager to “make amends” for season 2024.

The tale of Smith’s individual season foreshadowed the VAFA Premier year that was for the Blues.

The midfielder lasted one contest in his new threads after crossing from Heidelberg, rupturing his ACL in the opening seconds of the season.

He watched the remainder of the Blues’ seven-win campaign from over the fence.

Next year, he will watch between the fence and the boundary as the club’s newest coach, replacing experienced mentor Guy Martyn.

Coaching wasn’t front of mind when Smith joined the Blues in the 2024 off-season but he “couldn’t knock it back” once it appeared on his radar.

“I had never been through the process so whether I got it or not it was a good learning experience for me but luckily enough I got the go ahead from the club,” Smith said.

Matt Smith. Picture: University Blues FC.

“It’s not that it wasn’t on the radar but I didn’t see it in the so near future, I was a playing assistant coach at Heidelberg, ran the midfield for a few years.

“I had as much experience as you can as a playing assistant but my body was feeling good so playing was at the front of my mind.

“As the opportunity presented itself I couldn’t knock it back.”

Smith played 46 games at VFL level for Collingwood where he learned how far player-driven standards can take a football club.

That, and “a holistic approach”, will be the early signs of a Smith-led Blues next year.

“I want to be a coach who is approachable and every player can connect with, not a ‘one size fits all’ coach,” he said.

“I am very open to feedback, constructive criticism and player buy-in, I am going to be big on the standards set by the players.

“I want to have a holistic approach, include as many people and backgrounds as I can to assist in what we do.”

Smith launches a clearing kick. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Blues have had one official change to their playing list for 2025 with Jack Stephens retiring.

The rest of the list has voiced their commitment to the Blues and Smith says it’s because there is a shared confidence in what they can achieve.

“A lot of the older boys are going again and the younger boys are really eager to get in and I guess make amends for the season that was this year,” he said.

“We had high hopes but we had unforeseen circumstances, a stack of injuries, that didn’t allow us to reach our goals as a playing group.

“I think there’s a lot of energy and a buzz around to make amends, we’ve had the buy-in.”

The Premier season is set to kick-off on Saturday, April 5.