RIVERINA AFL prodigy Isaac Smith is sporting proof there is no need to be the strongest or biggest player on the field to carve out a career at the highest level.
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The Cootamundra-raised Smith admitted he doesn't quite fit the mould of a player you'd expect to be vigorously head-hunted by AFL clubs and had not expected to break into the big time.
In Albury yesterday, Smith openly admitted he had not held out great hope of achieving his ambition of playing in the AFL.
"Well, usually the number-one guernsey goes to the smallest player in the competition and when I was 17 and 18 I was wearing that guernsey," Smith said yesterday.
"I always thought I was too small to play AFL so I didn't really think I would make it.
"Just when I thought it wasn't going to happen, my body started to change.
"By now I was in Ballarat and I was playing good footy."
Remarkably, after leaving little impression on Wagga and Albury clubs, the humble country footballer caught the keen eye of Hawthorn scouts while playing for Ballarat.
Smith was initially overlooked for the draft but after a stand-out season for VFL premiership side North Ballarat last year he was presented with another opportunity at the elite level.
Recruited by Hawthorn with their first-round draft pick in 2010, Smith went on to play 15 games with the Hawks this season and emerge as an integral player for the club.
The young gun is already preparing to better his 2011 feats, revealing his burning desire to play every game of the 2012 competition with Hawthorn.
"I am hoping to play every game next year and really contribute to the side," he said.
"I have been lucky to have a great season this year but I am looking for another good year next season.
"There are a lot of good up-and-coming clubs so I think next year is going to be a very good year."
Despite enjoying a stunning debut season with the Hawks - which includes coming within one game of a grand final appearance – Smith admits the preliminary final loss has only increased his hunger to succeed.
While refusing to dwell on the frustration of the loss, Smith is adamant missing out on contesting the grand final will act as a stimulant for players approaching the 2012 season.
“I’m not big on dwelling, I prefer to move on but it was certainly disappointing,” he said.
“It gutted me every time I drove past the stadium and knew I wasn’t playing.
“We knew we had the players at Hawthorn that could rival both teams so it was gutting to watch the game knowing we had come so close. It is disappointing but there is always next year.”
Smith returned to the region yesterday, alongside fellow Riverina stars Matt Suckling and Luke Breust, to host an AFL superclinic for more than 150 budding AFL juniors at Noreuil Park in Albury.
“It is good to be back in the area,” he said.
“I love getting back to see friends and family.”
Smith said he will enjoy a seven-week break before the Hawks’ pre-season kickstarts with a trip to complete the Kokoda Trail.
