SA Footy

Is Dunkley the only father-son that the club didn’t match?

Armchair expert wrote:Is Dunkley the only father-son that the club didn’t match?

Correct.

Going to miss this bloke... All the best in the future


Nick Smith calls time




Sydney Swans Media


Aug 14, 2019 10:00AM

















Sydney Swans premiership player Nick Smith has called time on his stellar career after 13 years at the elite level.

The ever-reliable defender tore his hamstring tendon off the bone in Sydney’s clash with Melbourne in Round 21 last year and has suffered numerous setbacks in his bid to return to the field.

After three rounds of surgery – the latest in June – it remained unclear if Smith’s body would hold up to playing consistently again at AFL level. Therefore, the difficult decision was made to hang up the boots.

Originally from Melbourne where he played football with Scotch College and the Oakleigh Chargers, Smith joined the Swans as a rookie in 2006.

The ultimate professional and a team-first footballer, Smith worked his way off the rookie list to become arguably the league’s best small defender.

Between 2011 and 2018, Smith played 182 games, claiming a premiership in 2012 and All Australian honours (2014). He represented Australia in the International Rules series (2014, 2015), was recognised with the Swans’ Best Clubman Award (2012) and he won the club’s Rising Star Award (2009). He was also a key member of the Sydney Swans leadership group from 2012, which saw the team compete in three grand finals.

In Round 9 last year, Smith became just the 32nd player in Sydney Swans history to reach 200 AFL games.

Sydney coach John Longmire said Smith has always been completely selfless, both on and off the field.

“From the moment Nick arrived at the Sydney Swans, we knew we had a special person,” Longmire said.

“Nick was a master of the small defender role. For over a decade at selection we just placed Nick’s name up on the whiteboard next to some of the best small-to-medium forwards that have ever played our game: Steve Johnson, Eddie Betts, Toby Greene, Robbie Gray, Stephen Milne, Luke Breust, Mark LeCras are some that come to mind. And who could forget his battles on the biggest home-and-away and finals stages with his old ex-school mate Cyril Rioli.

“There is no lonelier place to be than inside defensive 50m playing on these talents. Yet Nick’s strength of mind to overcome the biggest challenges was second to none. It’s a wonder that he ever slept on a Friday night!

“The Nick Smith that we all know behind closed doors is much, much more than this. Nick is highly respected by coaches and peers alike. First elected into the club’s leadership group in 2012, he is the epitome of what the Bloods are about. And for us, that’s as great a compliment as there is.”

The Swans and Smith are exploring opportunities for him to remain involved in the game in some capacity.

Nick Smith’s career highlights

DOB: June 12, 1988
Draft history: Pick 15, 2007 Rookie Draft
Recruited from: Scotch College/Oakleigh Chargers
AFL debut: Round 5, 2008 v Geelong Cats
Player no. 1346 to appear for Sydney Swans/South Melbourne
First goal: Round 15, 2008 v Hawthorn
Joint Swans Rising Star with Jesse White (2009)
Swans Most Improved (2011)
Swans Best Clubman (2012)
AFL premiership (2012)
All Australian (2014)
International Rules side (2014, 2015)
Plays 200th AFL game in Round 9, 2018 v Fremantle
AFL games: 211 (135 wins, 2 draws, 74 losses)

Dunkley sounds like a fair tosser. Housed kids, got nothing in return, Hey wanker, that's what good blokes do for there clubs. In country footy and higher blokes give half there lives for there club and don't expect a single thing.

I'd say don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out...

No real surprises here. We sure are the AFL's "favourites"

now do total salary caps

Armchair expert wrote:now do total salary caps

Happily and we will be under it.

The premiership class of 2012 gets a even smaller ... Really good career

Former Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack will bid farewell to football after 14 seasons in red and white.

Born and bred in Sydney, Jack only started playing the game as an 11-year-old when he was invited to represent his school in the Paul Kelly Cup.

The Swans noticed Jack’s potential, signing him as a rookie in 2005.

After just two games in his first two seasons on Sydney’s list, Jack’s rise was profound.

He played 246 games over the following 11 seasons and emerged to become one of the competition’s elite midfielders.

In that time, he claimed the Sydney Swans Club Champion Award, All Australian honours, represented his country in the International Rules series and kicked two memorable goals in the team’s thrilling 2012 Grand Final victory.

In 2013, Jack was appointed co-captain of the Swans alongside fellow Pennant Hills junior Jarrad McVeigh, leading the team to another two Grand Final appearances in 2014 and 2016.

In Round 5 this year, Jack became just the ninth Swan to play 250 games.

Swans coach John Longmire said Jack left his mark at Sydney.

“Kieren Jack’s story as a trailblazer for the code in this state cannot be underestimated. It would be reasonable to say that Kieren’s journey has done as much for the code’s development over the past 14 years as any person,” Longmire said.

“He leaves the game in rare company with his achievements and highly respected inside and outside the code – but few people who witnessed Kieren Jack’s early games of Australian Rules Football would have predicted the magnificent career that was to follow. Standing 176cm, weighing 72kg and possessing a kick that didn’t travel far, the kid wearing jumper number 48 in the back pocket of the reserves had a few doubters when he first turned up at the end of 2005.

“However, what couldn’t immediately be seen was the incredible determination within, and the amazing mix of speed and endurance qualities just under the surface. Kieren’s thirst for hard work was insatiable. He soaked up every bit of help from those who were invested, and turned himself into one of the most elite two-way runners of his generation. A fierce competitor, he took on the best players the game had to offer, and in the process made himself one of the game’s best.

“In recent years, Kieren has passed on his knowledge and invested heavily in our younger players – his legacy at this club will be long lasting.”

Kieren Jack’s career highlights
DOB: June 28, 1987
Draft history: Pick 58, 2006 Rookie Draft
Recruited from: NSW/ACT RAMS/Pennant Hills Demons
AFL debut: Round 6, 2007 v North Melbourne
Player no. 1340 to appear for South Melbourne/Sydney Swans
First goal: Round 2, 2008 v Port Adelaide
Swans Rising Star Award (2008)
Bob Skilton Medal (2010)
International Rules side (2010, 2014)
AFL premiership (2012)
Sydney Swans co-captain (2013-2016)
All Australian (2013)
AFL games: 255
AFL goals: 165
Brownlow votes: 61

You've gotta hand it to Jack, to remain on an AFL list for so long while being a zero impact player is some achievement.

I thought he retired in 2016.

Did you hear that ‘pop’ That was Wubbzys head exploding

Lightning McQueen wrote:You've gotta hand it to Jack, to remain on an AFL list for so long while being a zero impact player is some achievement.

I thought he retired in 2016.

The biggest story I recall about Jack was to do with his Mrs and his Mum.

Brodlach wrote:Did you hear that ‘pop’ That was Wubbzys head exploding

Just giving an honest evaluation, he's part of the reason that they've bottomed out IMO, in his day he was a tackling machine, he certainly got the most out of his frame and had balls.

To captain an AFL side is remarkable given his rugby background and stature growing up, credit where credit is due.

Stats :

Averaged

11 kicks, 8 handballs, 2 marks, 5 tackles.

Booney wrote:Stats :

Averaged

11 kicks, 8 handballs, 2 marks, 5 tackles.

Would've had decent numbers 2012-16.

Lightning McQueen wrote:

Brodlach wrote:Did you hear that ‘pop’ That was Wubbzys head exploding

Just giving an honest evaluation, he's part of the reason that they've bottomed out IMO, in his day he was a tackling machine, he certainly got the most out of his frame and had balls.

To captain an AFL side is remarkable given his rugby background and stature growing up, credit where credit is due.

Oh I’m not disagreeing

Lightning McQueen wrote:

Booney wrote:Stats :

Averaged

11 kicks, 8 handballs, 2 marks, 5 tackles.

Would've had decent numbers 2012-16.

2012 - 24 touches 5 tackles
2013 - 25 / 6
2014 - 23 / 5
2015 - 23 / 6
2016 - 22 / 5

Brodlach wrote:Oh I’m not disagreeing

Where was my like then?

Wubbys still on the floor.

Booney wrote:Wubbys still on the floor.

Not exactly queueing up to give him mouth to mouth resuscitation I’m tipping...

"a dead set massive moment"