The 2019 Wimmera league interleague coach took the helm at the Saints before the 2020 season, but is yet to lead the side on game day due to the cancellation of the Horsham District league this year.

Smith said after a promising off-season, it was a "no-brainer" for him to sign on again.

"How would you say it - I'm going to start what I started," Smith joked.

"It was a no-brainer. You put a lot of time and effort into the club, and they have been really helpful and supportive all the way through.

"All the other coaching staff were keen as well and it was an obvious one to continue on in the end."

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The cancellation of the 2020 season halted some growing momentum at the Saints.

The club had made several impressive signings - including a North Central league star and Horsham brothers Beau and Dawson Cross - and seemed determined to at least match its 2019 preliminary final appearance.

"It is what it is," Smith said. "You can't do anything about it, you have to just roll with the punches. Everyone is in the same boat.

"I'm just disappointed for the communities of Edenhope and Apsley, because their towns really enjoy the footy and netball, and the social aspect of it as well.

"We're just trying to keep around each other and keep a bit of that excitement around. Hopefully the community has a lot of confidence in what we're doing."

Smith said the process of officially re-signing players would start in the coming months.

He said early discussions had been positive.

"At this stage, it seems like everyone is happy to stay on," he said.

"Of course it depends on work commitments and jobs and that sort of thing. There's a lot of water to go under the bridge.

"There might be one or two that might move on, but we also might gain a couple we were chasing last year. We'll just have to wait and see."

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