Here's another instalment of 'On The Bench,' as we get to know the coaches who will be leading their teams out into Season 2022.
Next is the turn of Adelaide Comets Coach, Barney Smith.
Why did you become a coach?
It was a natural progression for me. I've been involved in football my whole life and originally decided to get into coaching after my father and Martyn Crook encouraged me to go through the state coaching pathways. I also thought I knew better and wanted to help by giving back everything I'd learnt, so rather than sit on the sidelines with all the answers I decided to have a crack, I'm usually like that with life and respect all coaches that take a job instead of the 'what if' alternative.
I enjoy the tactical side of football deconstructing opponents, winning matches, seeing the team thrive and players improve individual, creating a strong team environment, working in a team with all the staff and helping young players progress higher.
I always used to hear, "he doesn't have enough experience", well you won't get any experience into your younger players if you don't play them. I will always give young players a go, age doesn't matter if you are good enough. You have to be brave with the normal high expectations of 3 points to blood and play the young talent coming through your club, at Comets we don't just talk about our junior programs, in 2021 50% of our senior squad was from our junior setup, its credit to everyone that's been involved at the club.
Who is your coaching idol; and why?
That's probably pretty obvious. My father has spent his life in football, been a huge contributor to the game in Australia and still surprises me today with his depth of knowledge applied across all forms of football. Having someone with such a high level intellect about the game would influence anyone but I admire him as an educator and his tireless, kind, giving nature to help anyone in football.
What has been your biggest achievement(s) as a coach?
Winning the league in two different divisions for the same club is special, only two coaches in SA have achieved it in 70 years.
Winning two consecutive league titles at Adelaide Comets in 20/21 and coach of the year in 2020.
Assisting numerous players, not all played under me, with opportunities at the next level, if I can help a player get closer to their dream its pretty special when it happens.
Best SA team to watch, past or present, that excites you as a coach.
Adelaide United 2016, amazing end to the season, the win streak, the GF at Adelaide Oval in front of 50,000 locals. As a coach in SA there's nothing more exciting when we have a thriving A-League side, challenging for titles and the whole football community behind them.
What excites you most about the 2022 Season?
Three trophies on offer, the new state football centre, new fresh challenges in the NPL, finishing early in September and getting a break. Since 2020 we haven't stopped based on the calendar changes.
Name a player in your squad under the age of 23 who we should look out for in 2022 and why?
Ryan Yates, another winner of the rising star, is having a great pre-season and is such an influential player in midfield. He is set for a big season in 2022.
Thomas Giannakopoulos has a big future ahead of him, playing in a GF last year at 17 and winning the Aloisi rising star was a huge achievement.
Jayden Lobasso has owned his role at right back and quickly become one of the best in the league, he played every game last year and scored three goals. If he can add to that this year, watch out.
Anthony Mavrolombados started the most games in his NPL career so far last year and scored three goals, Mav has the ability to unlock games and will be a big threat in 2022
Which new transfer are you most excited to be working with and why?
I'm excited about all the players we've signed, existing and new. If I have to pick one, Tom Briscoe, quality player, finisher and human being.
And finally....Besides finishing as high in the table as possible, what are your goals for the season ahead?
Win trophies, it's the same every year. The construct of our competition locally offers three trophies and we will set our sights on winning all three.
Personally, 2021 was a horrid year due to events in my life outside of football. I was very close to walking away from the game during the year, which distracted me from all football offers. This year will be about enjoyment, enjoying the club, my team and the challenge our opposition pose because we have a very good local NPL competition.