Michael Smith has been appointed to the vacant Under 18 coaching position.

Smith has been with the club since 2006 and has already played 58 first grade matches.  He was a junior super-star and last year represented the BDAFL in their match against the Riverina Football League in Newcastle.

He is well thought of at the Bombers and should make an excellent replacement for the retiring Todd Clarke.

Clarke, who took the team to last year's grand final, has had to relinquish the post due to work commitments following his reappointment late last year but has intimated that he will continue his involvement with the club of a weekend.

Senior Coach, Steve Cutler, was full of praise for Smith and sees his new role as one which will not only benefit the club and the team but also Smith himself.

"Michael is an excellent role model for the up and coming players in the Under 18 ranks", Cutler said.  "He represented the Northern Heat in the Under 18s not so many years ago so can empathise with the boys and is particularly aware of the pitfalls and what areas they should be looking at to improve their football."

Smith's appointment will be ratified at the club's committee meeting next month.