Overview
Isaac Smith (born December 30, 1988) is a former Australian rules football player who previously played for the Hawthorn Football Club and Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Known for his speed and endurance, Smith was a key player in Hawthorn’s three consecutive Grand Final victories from 2013 to 2015. He later joined Geelong, where he won his fourth premiership in 2022 and was awarded the Norm Smith Medal as the best player in the Grand Final.
Early Life and Career
Isaac Smith was born in Young, New South Wales, and moved to Cootamundra, where he attended school. As a child, he played Australian rules football and basketball with Luke Breust in Temora. At the age of 13, Smith moved to Wagga Wagga and played with future Hawthorn teammate Matt Suckling in the Wagga Hawks before both moved to the Wagga Tigers, winning two premierships. Smith later played with Albury in the Ovens & Murray Football League in 2007.
Smith moved to Victoria to pursue a Sports Management Degree at the University of Ballarat. He joined the Redan Football Club and became known for his effective left-footed kick. After winning the 2009 senior Ballarat Football League (BFL) Grand Final, Smith joined North Ballarat’s Victorian Football League (VFL) premiership side in 2010. He was also a member of the Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) team that won the 2010 Australian Country Football Championships.
AFL Career
Smith was drafted by Hawthorn with the 19th pick in the 2010 AFL Draft. He made his debut in Round 7 of the 2011 season against Port Adelaide. Smith played ten seasons for Hawthorn, participating in each of their three consecutive Grand Final victories from 2013 to 2015. Following the 2020 season, Smith moved to the Geelong Football Club as a free agent. He played with Geelong for three seasons, winning his fourth premiership in 2022 and receiving the Norm Smith Medal as the best player in the Grand Final. Smith retired from AFL at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Personal Life
Isaac Smith is known for his dedication to the sport and his contributions to his teams’ successes. He has been a role model for aspiring footballers and continues to be celebrated for his achievements in the AFL.
