Former Melbourne and North Melbourne high-flyer Shaun Smith has joined the VFLW Tigers as an assistant coach.

Known for his incredible leap and ability to take spectacular marks, Smith brings extensive coaching experience to the Tigers’ inaugural VFLW side.

Most recently, he spent the past two seasons as senior coach of VFLW club St Kilda Sharks.

Smith played 109 AFL matches at North Melbourne and Melbourne between 1987 and 1998.

During his tenure at Melbourne, Smith played under Richmond’s general manager – football Neil Balme, who was senior coach of the Demons at the time.

Smith is famously known for taking Mark of the Century – a 1995 Mark of the Year over team mate Garry Lyon and Brisbane's Richard Champion at the Gabba.

Smith said he looked forward to working alongside Richmond’s VFLW and Academy coach Tom Hunter to develop a strong female football program.

“I really enjoy coaching women’s football and it felt right to get involved at Richmond,” Smith said.

“Coaching women’s football is different to coaching men’s football – it is an exciting new challenge, especially as the Club will field its first team this year.

“I certainly have ideas as to how we can get the best out of our players and I can’t wait to get started.”

Richmond’s female football operations manager Kate Sheahan welcomed Smith to Tigerland.

“Shaun is a highly experienced footballer and coach and is a massive coup for our female football program,” Sheahan said.

“I have no doubt that he will help us attract high-quality players, coaches and support staff to the Club.

Shaun will commence next Wednesday when the VFLW pre-season begins for 2018.

Richmond VFLW are looking for more assistant coaches for their 2018 program, please see the position description if you are interested.