Former Port Douglas Crocs president, Andy Smith, has returned to the helm of the club with the purpose of retaining the town’s youth at the club.

After previously serving eight years as president, Smith was voted in as head honcho at the club’s AGM on Sunday, replacing outgoing president, Scott Ewert, after a two-year stint at the helm.

Ewert will continue his involvement with the Crocs on the committee after a well-earned overseas holiday.

Under Smith’s previous tutelage, the club gained two Cairns AFL premierships and the infamous 2004 non-result, but Smith said his most pressing agenda for 2012 was to implement a long-term plan to keep the club’s junior players in the region.

“The club’s juniors have been strong for a number of years now, to the point where they’re starting to come through as valuable senior players,” he told The Newsport following his appointment.

“But we’re in a position where these kids may leave in a mass exodus next year, as there are very little employment opportunities to keep them here.”

As a result, a meeting will be held at the club this Wednesday at 6pm with players to speak with club officials in an attempt to gauge their employment status and set up a pre-season training schedule to motivate the youngsters to stay.

“All this work that has been done on the juniors over the years…we have to retain them long-term, so we have to find out how happy they are in their jobs and come up with some strategies to ensure they can stay in town,” Smith said.

Smith said, if possible, the club would like to see local businesses, including the tourism industry, come to the party and offer apprenticeships and jobs that offer long-term employment opportunities.

“These local kids really want to stay in town and play for the Crocs, but there’s very little for them…we really need to get them quality employment and improve their skills.”

Other appointments to the committee included club stalwart, Rob Barnett, as vice president, long-time head trainer Robyn Frahn comes in as secretary and former president, John Cameron, as treasurer for 2012.

Joining Ewert on the committee will be 2011 reserves grand final coach, Darren Wall, assistant coach Jim Buckley and Crocs die-hard supporter, Paul Scott.

If anyone is interested in supporting the Crocs with player employment opportunities, please contact Andy Smith on 0408 985 372. 

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