Setting a firm agenda, the 23-year-old playmaker has already told Gundagai he will not coach the team next year, a move which has cast a cloud over his playing future.

Yesterday Smart admitted he was unsure of his football plans beyond the current Group Nine season.

“Look, I haven’t ruled out that I won’t be leaving the club all together,” Smart said yesterday.

“Step one was deciding that I won’t be coaching (Gundagai) next season.

“I want to get this season out of the way before I decide where I might be next year.”

Coming ahead of a classic showdown with Albury at Greenfield Park on Saturday, Smart’s admission is sure to stun rival clubs.

After three outstanding seasons as Tigers captain-coach, Smart is universally respected as a player and leader.

Signed at just 20 as a rookie coach in 2011, Smart has achieved great results, including taking the team to the finals for three-straight campaigns.

In 2011, Smart had the Group Nine premiership yanked from his grasp by a last-minute Southcity try before finishing second on the table in 2012.

Again this year, Smart has shown his maturity and expertise by steering the Tigers to a top-three finish –and to a great shot at the title.

Although he regards coaching his hometown club as a supreme sporting honour, Smart is adamant the timing was right to leave the coveted post.

“When I first signed I guess I had it in the back of my mind that three years would be enough,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m comfortable with what I’ve been able to do.

“I don’t take anything for granted.

“All my mates are here (at Gundagai).”

Smart told Gundagai officials late last week of his decision, affording the club an opportunity to unearth the “right replacement”.

Currently in the last months of a sports management course at university, Smart believes the Tigers players will “freshen up” under a new mentor.

“That was the main motivation (to stand aside),” he said.

Significantly, Smart says he now feels a “huge weight” has been lifted, and he is “more relaxed”.

Amid uncertainty over his long-term football plans, Smart has a pressing football priority on Saturday.

Heading into the first-versus-third duel with Albury on the border on Saturday, Smart concedes the result will not have a last bearing on what happens in the finals.

Recalling events of last year, Smart said the Tigers had “learned a lesson” after beating the Thunder in the last premiership round before the playoffs.

“Everyone at home got all excited, but in a way it was like we woke the sleeping giant,” he said.

“When we played them in the finals we got beat by 40.

“This game won’t mean anything in three three or four weeks.”