STRENGTHS:

+ Second efforts
+ Mobility
+ Overhead marking
+ Tackling pressure
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested work
- Endurance

Smith looks to be the ideal man to take for clubs looking to utilise a two ruck system, adept both in the ruck and when utilised as a key forward. Beginning the season as the sole ruckman for Swan Districts, his role in the National Carnival and second half of the WAFL Colts season was primarily as a secondary option who spent his time mostly inside 50.

When operating as a sole ruckman, Smith averaged 37.6 hitouts a game, winning the count in every Colts match bar one, where he faced WA teammate Mitch Edwards in an even encounter.

Work rate and effort when the ball is on the deck is a real point of difference for Smith. He follows up with a lot of intent below his knees, and applies plenty of tackling pressure. Even when posted as a key forward, Smith is regularly looking to make an impact at ground level, and follow up on his own marking contests with pressure and determination.

As a key forward, Smith provides a valuable lead out option, and is a capable contested mark, though he would be looking to improve himself in those one-on-one situations.

On his best days, he is capable of creating several opportunities not just for himself, but chances for teammates with his follow up ground work and honouring leads when playing as a centre half-forward. A remarkably accurate shot on goal, Smith has had his games where he struggles to find himself with the opportunity to score.

Smith’s game is very balanced and well rounded, but would need to improve on his endurance to play as a sole ruck, and consistency when playing as a forward/ruck. The potential is there for Smith to form a great ruck duo of the future, and he could prove a bargain selection for clubs later in the draft.