SANDRINGHAM Dragons top-ager Amy Smith overcame the “devastation” of missing out on the Vic Metro summer hub to get to work and earn a spot in the squad, playing all four games at the national championships.

Having been utilised in a number of positions this year after an injury interrupted 2024 campaign with knee bone bruising, Smith impressed enough to earn an AFLW Draft State Combine invite. We spoke to Smith at the Combine about her footy journey, injury and game.

Q: Amy, tell us a bit about your footy journey?

AS: “I did one year at Auskick in 2016 and then my dad who was the president of my local footy club, Mordi-Brae, he made an Under 10s girls team so I could play. That was in 2017 and then played all through until now. Did my interleague and all through Mordi-Brae.”

Q: Tell us about your injury and how you recovered?

AS: “Injury obviously wasn’t the best, but I think it was a really good thing for me because it showed me an influence of strength work especially in a high-performance environment. I was good to get back and felt stronger and more confident on the field.”

Q: After missing out on the initial summer Vic Metro hub, you got included in the final Metro squad, what was that like when you found out?

AS: “I was obviously a bit devo at first, but then I just used that as motivation and then I was pretty stoked to make the national championships and I was happy with one game, but to play all four even thought I didn’t make the summer hub was a huge thing.”

Q: You’ve played a little bit of everywhere, what’s your preferred position on the field?

AS: “I do like going on the wing, I do like having a run around, opening up the game. But I do like going down back amongst the action.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

AS: “Probably my skills, particularly my kicking, my ability to hit targets, kick on the run too is very important in the game.”

Q: What about improvements you’re looking to make?

AS: “The physical side of the game, so not getting pushed off the ball and really working on sticking my tackles.”

Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?

AS: “Probably my dad, he originally got me into footy. His influenced a lot.”

Q: AFL/W club you support?

AS: “I go for Richmond.”

Q: Is there a reason behind that?

AS: “Well my great grandpa went for Richmond and then dad followed him and then dad brainwashed me to go for Richmond.”

Q: Is there a player at the top level you look up to or model your game on?

AS: “My cousin Brooke Smith, she’s at Adelaide. She’s a big inspiration, she’s helped me a lot over the years so definitely her.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself going forward?

AS: “Obviously the main goal is to get drafted, but I want to keep improving my game and get better.”