Tim Schmidt joins AFL NSW/ ACT

By Bronte Kerr

Tim Schmidt is set to join AFL NSW/ ACT on a casual basis in 2015 and will be responsible in overseeing a myriad of different development programs.

Hailing from West Adelaide originally, Schmidt was picked up by the Sydney Swans in the 2003 National AFL draft. Schmidt was a one-club man, remaining with the Sydney side for 6 seasons until his retirement at the end of the 2009 season.

Riddled with consecutive injuries, Schmidt bid farewell to the Swans having played 17 senior games since his debut in 2006.

Schmidt was highly regarded by his peers at the Swans and is well known for his polished kicking skills, his attention to detail and his overall skillful execution.

Former Sydney Swans player and All Australian, Michael O’ Loughlin, sang high praise for his teammate Schmidt.

‘Tim was one of the most technically sound kicks to play at the Sydney Swans. He always hit a target,’ O’Loughlin said.

Since retiring, Schmidt has put his highly developed skills to good use, founding Kicking Dynamics, a specialized kicking and skills academy.

Tim Schmidt in action for the Swans during his playing days.Image: AFL Media

The position at AFL NSW/ACT arose late last year after a series of discussions between Schmidt and then CEO Craig Bolton.

Schmidt will juggle numerous roles within the business, including overseeing the Multicultural programs, coaching the under 18 youth girls’ side and coordinating the Swans Academy.

Schmidt will be a valuable asset to the Multicultural School Football Program, an initiative that aims to engage young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in the AFL.

In addition, Schmidt will lead the under 18 youth girl’s side as head coach for the 2015 season.

Schmidt will also work alongside Darren Denneman, Talent and Coaching Manager at AFL/NSW, to strengthen the youth guy’s development program and the higher end talent squads.

“It will be challenge doing all the different forms of coaching but it is something that I am really looking forward to,” Schmidt said.

‘It’s fantastic. I am absolutely over the moon to be working with the AFL NSW/ACT on junior development. It all ties back to the kicking academy as well- working with juniors and their development and hopefully helping them pursue their career in the AFL.”

Not a whole lot has changed for Schmidt from his playing days with the Sydney Swans. He still firmly believes that the Number 1 aspect of playing AFL is being able to kick the footy.

AFL NSW/ACT is looking forward to having a veteran of the game itself on board and warmly welcomes Schmidt to the team.