FOR Sydney defender Nick Smith, last season was simply business as usual.
Smith, personally, did not think his year was anything out of the ordinary but many others disagreed as he was rewarded with All Australian selection.
The no-fuss Sydney defender is one of the quiet achievers of the Swans team.
His All Australian selection was welcome but will not change the way Smith goes about his football.
"I guess it's good to get the recognition outside the team," Smith said.
"From within though, I think my role has always been pretty highly appreciated by the guys I play with, which is the most important thing.
"Not too much changed I don't think, I've tried to be as consistent as I can every year and I think last year was generally pretty consistent as well."
Smith was a member of the Swans' 2013 premiership team.
He knows what it takes to achieve the ultimate.
Smith, 26, said the start to the current pre-season has the Swans looking good for the year ahead.
"We're looking pretty good," he said.
"Training has been a lot more competitive this pre-season than it has been in the past.
"I think we're pretty fit at the moment, most of the guys are on the track which is as good a start as we could hope for."
Sydney will hold an intra-club practice match on Friday.
A week later, the Swans will take on Brisbane Lions in their opening NAB Challenge game at Coffs Harbour.
As much as Smith is keen on Sydney’s chances this season, he explained it is hard to be too confident.
“It’s an even competition,” he said.
“I think Freo will be good again, Geelong are always pretty good too.
”North (Melbourne) after finishing fourth last year, it will be interesting to see how they go, they’ll obviously be another good team this season.
“Port (Adelaide) I reckon will be a good side too.”
Smith visited the region on Tuesday as part of AFL’s community camps.
