Tara Murray
Former Western Bulldogs player Clay Smith will coach Point Cook next season in the Western Region Football League.
The Bulldogs announced on Thursday night that current Brett Jacobs was stepping down from the role at the end of the season due to personal and family commitments.
The club said that Smith, who is the current senior assistant coach this season, had been appointed to the senior coaching role for 2023 and 2024.
“Clay joined the club in 2022 as a senior assistant coach following the 2021 season with VAFA Premier B side Williamstown CYMS as an assistant coach,” the club said on social media.
“Clay is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the club and this young and emerging playing group in the coming years.
“Outgoing coach Brett Jacobs fully endorses the new appointment and has spent a big part of the season in mentoring Clay for a smooth transition in a planned succession.
“The club thanks Brett for his service and dedication as senior men’s coach for the last three seasons and senior assistant for the two seasons prior.”
“We will continue to see Brett and Kylie around the club supporting their boys Noah and Sam on their own footy journey.”
Before heading into coaching, Smith was taken in the 2011 AFL National Draft at pick 17 by the Western Bulldogs. He went on to play 55 games for the Bulldogs before announcing an early retirement due to injuries. Clay’s time at the Bulldogs was highlighted by being a member of its 2016 premiership side.
