HENRY Playfair has spent hours chatting about footy with new Swans coach John Longmire.

Even though Longmire, then an assistant coach responsible for the midfield, didn’t have direct responsibility for Playfair’s on-field performances, they’ve always enjoyed discussing the finer points of the game.

Playfair believes those talks were part of the reason Longmire rang him two weeks ago to offer him a job as the Club’s development coach, responsible for the Reserves team.

“It’s awesome, I’m pretty stoked with it,’’ Playfair said this week of his new role.

“I’ve always got along well with Horse (Longmire), had a really good relationship with him and we’ve always talked about footy even though he wasn’t my line coach. We’d talk about a few trends of the game over the last three years.’’

Playfair, who retired after round 15 due to a serious back injury, had thought about coaching but didn’t want to leave his hometown of Sydney, and didn’t think there would be any opportunities here.

“So I was exploring other avenues, but once John rang me up it was perfect. It’s a great opportunity and I feel very fortunate to get it,’’ Playfair said.

Longmire believes Playfair will be able to play a valuable role with the Club’s developing tall players, such as Lewis Johnston and Sam Reid.

“Henry has a really good feel for the game, and having played as a key forward/key defender, he’ll be able to teach them some of the finer points of those positions,’’ Longmire said.

Playfair flew to Canada last week to attend the wedding of one of his close friends, Swans ruckman Mike Pyke, who was married to Florencia on Vancouver Island last Saturday

When he returns, Playfair is keen to get stuck into his new job, with the young players (1-3 years on the list) coming back for pre-season training in early November.

“I’ve always loved the Club and I was pretty sad leaving earlier than I had to because of injury,’’ Playfair said.

“So to get involved in a different way is something I’m really looking forward to. I have a great relationship with the players and staff so that’s great.

“Initially when I retired I felt like I needed a break from footy but because I retired in round 15 I feel like I’ve had that break. I’ve been able to think about things apart from football, and now I feel like I’m in the right head space to get back into it.’’

Playfair is looking forward to working with the Club’s talented bunch of youngsters.

“It’s the excitement we’ve got coming through the ranks with the younger guys,’’ he said.

“Before this season there was a question mark and some people were worried we didn’t have much talent pushing through, but this was a breakout year for a lot of younger guys and I’m looking forward to working with them, and also the younger ones we get in next month’s draft.’’