The Claremont Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Ricki Smith as the club’s next Colts Coach.

Smith’s ascension to the role comes following the decision of 2023 Colts Premiership Coach, Ashley Clancy, to step aside from the position to allow him to spend more time with his young family.

Smith boasts an extensive history of involvement with CFC’s Talent Pathway across multiple stints dating back to 2008, highlighted by his part in the 2013 & 2023 Colts Premierships, as backline and forward line coach respectively. In 2014-15, Smith served as the Senior Coach at Collegians Amateur Football Club.

Away from football, Smith is the Managing Director of KCraft Group, which specialises in construction and facility management. He also holds a Bachelor of Education.

Claremont Talent Manager Jordan Smith said the club was pleased to be able to promote an internal candidate into the position.

“Ricki’s appointment is the outcome of a thorough recruitment process which included applications from a number of high calibre candidates with significant coaching experience not only throughout the state, but across the country. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank all of those who took part in the process.

“Ultimately, we’re proud to once again be able to promote from within to fill the role, which is testament to the club’s philosophy of developing our own both on and off the field.

“Ricki brings great experience and passion to his coaching, which are qualities that set him up well to lead the development of all players within our Colts program.”

Incoming Colts Coach, Ricki Smith, said he was proud to be taking on the role.

“I’m extremely excited and honoured to be appointed as Colts Coach at the Claremont Football Club.

“Ash and the other coaches who have come before me have implemented excellent programs and have created a nurturing environment for the players coming through. We will be focusing largely on skill development and breaking the game down, not trying to reinvent the wheel.

“The club has some great people and programs in place and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Colts Preseason will begin later this month.