By Kirstie Fitzgerald
The Braybrook Sporting Club will have a new man at the helm this season, with the appointment of Harley Smith as the club’s new president last week.
Having been elected to the role as Vice President at the club’s annual general meeting, Smith was surprised to get the call up to the top job.
“It was a bit of a shock to be elected as President before fulfilling the role as vice, but I enjoy a good challenge and was happy to support the club in the role in order for them to succeed.”
Smith replaces the departing President Paul May who stood down from the position last month.
“Paul has been such a great leader at the club and I’m sure once he has sorted out a few personal issues, he will be back at the club again.”
At the age of 23, Smith is the youngest president to assume the top role in the competition this year.
“It’s a big responsibility, but I have a great team around me in the committee as well as the support of the players who are all happy to lend a hand where needed, so that’s great to know.”
Playing over 180 games for the red and black over his career, Smith has also been actively involved in the club on the sidelines, as a committee member, boundary umpire and water boy.
“I’ve been at Braybrook for most of my life and just love the club,” he said.
“Both my mum and dad have been heavily involved in the club for a number of years so it’s a real family affair which I’m proud to be a part of.”
Finishing in eighth position on the Division Two ladder last season, the new president is hoping to be more competitive on-field in order to keep his club out of Division Three relegation.
“I think as a club we are pretty strong off the field, so I’m hoping we can focus our attention on the field to push for a place in the finals and ultimately keep out of Division Three,” Smith said.
Club administrator Suellen Isherwood said that the appointment of Smith was one that the club needed.
“Harley is a fantastic clubman and just a true supporter,” Isherwood said.
“I think he is a great role model who is always happy to lend a hand, but most importantly he knows where the club is at and where we need to go, so we are very excited to have him as our president.”
Last Modified on 28/03/2014 10:59