As Millicent begins to plot its Western Border Football League premiership defence, the accolades continue to come the way of playing coach Clint Gallio.
Almost two months have passed since Gallio led the Saints to a memorable Grand Final win over South Gambier, but recently he was named as the Senior Community Coach of year for the Glenelg Country Zone at the SANFL Volunteers Awards night.
He was not the only local member to be recognised with North Gambier’s Fiona Young being named as the Glenelg Country zone Auskick coordinator of the year.
Gallio said he was touched to receive the honour for the first time, which puts the cherry on top of an unforgettable year.
“There are a lot of teams and good coaches in our zone, so it is a nice award to win,” he said.
“It is a bigger recognition for the season we had and the journey has probably been a couple of years.
“It is a reflection for the squad we have and a reward for not just myself, but the great team I worked with all year who put in a lot of commitment on and off the field.
“I was just the lucky one to have my name on it, but It would not have come about if those players and committee members were not involved.”
The award is the latest chapter of what has been a busy period of Gallio, who managed to squeeze in more football on the other side of the country.
Just a fortnight following the big dance at Malseed Park, he was pushing his body to the max in the Northern Territory Football League for the Southern Districts Crocs.
Despite braving the sapping humid conditions in searing temperatures, Gallio said it is a nice way to stay football fit in a unique environment.
“I had a two-week break after the Grand Final and then flew up for round 1 which was nice to be back playing up there again for the Crocs,” he said.
“I had a week off before sneaking three more games in during a holiday with my wife.
“I love playing up there because it is a different style of footy with different weather.
“It is pretty tough with just the humidity which is a bit of a change from the weather down here (in Millicent).
“It is a bit scary when the local Darwin boys are saying it is hot for them because during the first week it was 38 degrees with 80% humidity.
“You just try to manage your rotations and take in plenty of fluid before, during and after the game.”
Gallio is back in the Limestone Coast now to help the Saints march into 2022 with plenty of momentum as they hunt for back-to-back flags.
The club has been forced to come to grips with the departures of star forward Gene Robinson, plus youngsters Billy Shanks and Sam Gray, who are off to Adelaide and Hatherleigh respectively.
But through a straight swap with the Eagles, Sam Waring replaces Gray, while Dylan Bromley appears close to putting pen to paper.
Gallio said plans are starting to get exciting as preseason draws nearer.
“Things are going great,” he said.
“We have lost a few players which always happens, but we have also gained a few.
“We will have a catchup meeting this Friday night with the 16’s and Senior squad.
“We will also have a big chat with the committee members before kicking off training on the November 23.
“It has come around pretty quick, but after a premiership year you must improve.”
