Following 8 prosperous years of involvement at Oakleigh Chargers Football Club, Talent Manager Mark Smart will be farewelled next weekend at the Chargers’ annual pre-season camp in Mt Eliza.
Mark will look to expand on his wealth of football knowledge, when he forms part of St Kilda Football Club’s list management and recruiting team, in the full-time role of Recruiting Analyst.
Joining the Chargers in 2007 as a Development Coach, Mark continued on his career path of a Secondary School Teacher in Hastings until 2008, when a more permanent position in football arose.
Mark accepted a full-time role as AFL Victoria Central Region Development Manager, working from the Warrawee Park office in addition to an Assistant Coach role deepening his connection with the club.
2011 presented a new challenge for Mark in the form of Chargers’ Talent Manager, a role in which he has thrived.
In the past 4 years as Talent Manager, Mark has overseen 32 Chargers players drafted, 2 TAC Cup Premierships in 2012 and 2014, and instigated a number of club facility improvements including the $150k Warrawee Park Lighting Project – success he credits to the help and dedication of his staff.
“There’s a brilliant club culture that is continually actioned and role modelled by our committed and professional staff, which in turn creates an environment for our players to thrive in.
“Strong club values of respect and a focus on always building strong relationships with all staff and all players has created a strong sense of belonging by all our club members,” he says.
Assisting in the development not only of players, but of staff members too, has always held precedence in Marks role as Talent Manager.
“I have always had a strong priority of providing a club environment where all players feel engaged and a valued member of the club. Assisting club staff to develop in their chosen roles and helping to provide a pathway for them to get to the next level of their careers has always been a key focus of mine as the leader of the club,”.
“There have been some great examples of this in my time with Andrew Nichol (Welfare Manager - Melbourne FC), Greg Doyle (Part-time Ruck Coach – St Kilda FC), Marcus Krygger (Fitness – St Kilda FC), Elisa Ringeri (Sports Trainer - Melbourne FC) as well as staff going onto higher roles with the Vic Metro Academy (Jamie Maddocks & Leigh Clarke).
“Being the first TAC Cup metropolitan region to initiate a full-time coach is another great highlight having given our 2014 Premiership Coach Mick Stinear the opportunity to be the Chargers full-time Coach for the upcoming season. It’s a fantastic career opportunity for Mick and will be hugely beneficial in continuing to make the football program the best it can be for players,” Mark says.
Mark attributes his regular involvement in coaching and talent identification as the fuel for his passion in recruitment, and looks forward to the challenge that accompanies it.
“The last 4 years has assisted to develop my strong interest in list management and all the intricacies that are involved in developing, maintaining and improving an AFL list.
“I'm very excited by the challenges that this new career pathway presents and am really looking forward to hopefully adding value to their recruiting team and contributing to their rebuilding strategy” he says.
Mark departs the club in good stead having actioned conversation for further big future facility prospects and initiating an exciting partnership with Box Hill Senior Secondary College.
“Funds and discussions have taken place for a joint venture with the Oakleigh Cricket Club to install an Electronic Scoreboard which will be a great addition to the facility,” he says.
Marks role at St Kilda FC will commence February 1st 2015.
We wish him all the best and great success in this new and exciting chapter of his life.
Last Modified on 23/01/2015 16:07