Swan Districts add AFL Premiership duo to coaching staffTuesday, October 18, 2016 - 3:38 PM

Swan Districts Football Club has announced AFL Premiership duo, Steven Armstrong and Xavier Ellis, in coaching positions for the 2017 season.

Senior Coach Greg Harding said he was extremely pleased to secure their services.

“We are extremely pleased to have secured Steve as our forward line coach for season 2017. He brings with him a wealth of experience as a player and coach. His AFL career at Melbourne and West Coast culminated in a Grand Final victory in 2006 where he was an integral part of the success," he said. 

"As a coach he has had great influence at senior and development level. A successful stint coaching the Subiaco colts led to a State 18s coaching berth, and he has spent last season coaching Kalamunda in the A grade amateur system. His vast experience coaching youth and men will be more than a valuable addition to the club.

“To also be able to add someone of the quality of Xavier Ellis to the coaching ranks is so exciting for the footy club. Xavier will lead the colts into season 2017 and also take on an assistant role at senior level, controlling the defensive unit.

"Having played under Alistair Clarkson and Adam Simpson throughout his playing career, he will add an enormous amount to both the playing and coaching group next year.

"Unfortunately, injury has cut short his impressive playing career which includes the 2008 premiership with the Hawks, but we are certain that this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful coaching journey.”

Chief Executive Tom Bottrell said the club was building nicely for 2017 both on and off the field.

"These coaching appointments come on the heels of home-grown Swan Districts products, David Ellard, Clancee Pearce and Jamie Bennell committing to the club and we expect another couple of key announcements shortly.”

Photo: Former West Coast Eagle and East Perth player Xavier Ellis. By: Duncan Watkinson