FORMER Greater Western Sydney Giant and two-time VFL best and fairest Steve Clifton will be an assistant coach with Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Football League next season.
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Clifton has agreed to return to where his football career began for what will be his first extended stint in BFL senior ranks.
He played juniors with the Lakers before joining North Ballarat Rebels, and then progressing to North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL, and the GWS Giants in the NEAFL and ultimately AFL.
The powerful midfielder played one game with Lake Wendouree last season, making the cameo appearance during a quick trip home from overseas.
He will share assistant coaching duties with his brother-in-law Nick Stephen, with Gavin Webb continuing as head coach.
The 27-year-old will join Lakers' pre-season in the new year after returning from overseas .
Stephen said family had been a major influence in Clifton's decision to don the green, blue and gold in 2015.
He said the Clifton family had had a lot to do with the club for many years, with his two sisters playing netball and cousins playing football.
His uncle Dave is club president.
"He also wants to give something back to the club which gave him his start while he can still play at the peak of his powers."
Stephen said the club had been delighted to get a commitment from Clifton.
He said his football credentials were outstanding and recruiting a player of his calibre should not be understated.
"This is huge for the club."
Stephen said Lake Wendouree had a young senior list - often averaging 22 years of age last season.
He said Clifton's experience and on-field leadership would be important in the continued development of the team.
Stephen said the club hoped the signing of Clifton would also help secure other recruits it was in negotiations with.
Clifton played in the Roosters' three VFL premierships in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The Giants used the number one pick in the AFL rookie draft in late 2010 to recruit him.
He played with GWS in the NEAFL in 2011 and was then on the Giants' list for their first full season in the AFL in 2012.
He made his AFL debut in that year, but was delisted at the end of the season after just five games.
Clifton returned to North Ballarat in 2013, tying with Mitch Hallahan, of Box Hill Hawks, and Jordan Schroder, of Geelong, for the JJ Liston Trophy - adding to his previous VFL best and fairest in 2010 when he tied with Shane Valenti, of Port Melbourne.