STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Contested ball
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Size

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking consistency
- Speed

While often referred to as the grandson of Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett, Callum Smith has blazed his own trail through the footballing pathway. Having been tied to Oakleigh's region, he represented Vic Metro at the Under 16 championships in 2023, but went on to don Vic Country colours at Under 18 level this year having crossed to the Dandenong Stingrays.

Smith made every post a winner, turning in consistent performances to impact at club and representative level. As expected for a 189cm midfielder, his contested game shone with one-touch handling and sound reading of the play at stoppages. He averaged 22.1 disposals, 4.8 clearances, and 4.9 tackles per his 12 games with Dandenong, while also hitting the scoreboard with 10 goals.

While his contested game and physical attributes hold him in good stead to absorb pressure, Smith can sometimes be prone to hacking the ball by foot under pressure. He's much more assured by hand and has deceptive agility to buy time in possession, although can work on his straight line speed to become a more damaging player on the outside.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie