STRENGTHS:

+ Accumulation
+ Clean hands
+ Consistency
+ Decision making
+ Evasiveness
+ Leadership

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Impact-per-possession
- Size

Smith sought out to play consistent footy in 2024 and certainly delivered on that. He was a frequently high accumulator, averaging 33.8 disposals in the Coates Talent League and 29.2 throughout the Under 18 National Championships. His highest tally was a remarkable 50 against Western Jets in Round 9, while a low of 24 came in Wildcard Round. He also did the business at VFL level, racking up a game-high 31 touches on debut.

Smith's ability to rack up possessions is partly based on his running capacity, inspired by Carlton star Sam Walsh. He finds the ball in each third of the field, working hard to get involved and wax with teammates in transition. That uncontested, playmaking style is complimented by a prolific stoppage game where arguably Smith's best traits come to the fore. He just seems to be everywhere, all at once.

It is rare to see such a lightly-framed, 182cm midfielder be so dominate at the contest. He has worked on his combativeness and bodywork, while also maintaining the balance and smooth movement which makes him so difficult to contain. Smith is often sighted sharking the ball one-touch or swooping on it at ground level, before using his poise and agility to glide away from congestion untouched. What's more, he nearly always keeps his feet.

Smith is deceptively tough and difficult to knock off the ball. He is capable of absorbing contact and while he lacks the explosive power of other high-end prospects, such deficiencies haven't necessarily hindered his game. Making the step up to VFL level and holding his own against senior bodies was a real feather in his cap - not only maintaining his ball winning ability, but also adjusting to the speed and physicality.

The best players often elevate themselves in wet conditions, too, and Smith used them to compound the impact of all his aforementioned traits. He was a class above in Vic Metro's opening game against the Allies, amassing 32 disposals and nine clearances in a hard-fought win. He also led all comers on debut in the VFL, doing so in notoriously rough weather out at Williamstown. Slippery when wet, as they say.

Once he takes possession of the ball, Smith then showcases his elite decision making. His ability to find stoppage exits and hit targets by hand comes from outstanding vision, able to sum up his options quickly and execute. Smith is becoming more potent by foot too, particularly on the run, where he can pierce the opposition and hit targets going inside 50.

Impact per possession remains an area Smith is looking to enhance, though, making good on his wealth of possessions. He certainly made strides towards the back-end of the season, kicking goals in all of his last five CTL outings and dictating the play. Having hinted at developing his craft in a secondary position - forward - he clearly is impactful enough as an on-baller to not have to rely on the versatility other prospects pose.