Andrew Smith
Collingwood and Sydney
AFL career
39 games9 goals
- Debut
- R11 1980 v MEL7 June 1980
- Most recent
- R4 1985 v HAW21 Apr 1985
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Watsonia in the Diamond Valley, Andrew "Puddin" Smith was a dashing left-footed half-back who looked destined for a long career at Victoria Park before misfortune intervened. After rising through the Magpies' under-19s, Smith established himself in 1981 as a defensive staple capable of turning defence into attack with his piercing kick. However, his breakout season ended in heartbreak when a dislocated shoulder in the semi-final win over Fitzroy ruled him out of the club's Grand Final appearance. His career trajectory was altered permanently during the 1983 pre-season when he suffered a severe broken jaw, an incident that resulted in a landmark legal settlement against Footscray's Neil Macpherson and a significant loss of on-field confidence. Smith moved to the Sydney Swans in 1985 hoping to revive his fortunes but added just four games to his tally before finishing his career with Brunswick in the VFA.
Profile
- Born
- 28 Aug 1960 (age 66y 54d)
- Height
- 180 cm
- Weight
- 73 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Watsonia in the Diamond Valley, Andrew "Puddin" Smith was a dashing left-footed half-back who looked destined for a long career at Victoria Park before misfortune intervened. After rising through the Magpies' under-19s, Smith established himself in 1981 as a defensive staple capable of turning defence into attack with his piercing kick. However, his breakout season ended in heartbreak when a dislocated shoulder in the semi-final win over Fitzroy ruled him out of the club's Grand Final appearance. His career trajectory was altered permanently during the 1983 pre-season when he suffered a severe broken jaw, an incident that resulted in a landmark legal settlement against Footscray's Neil Macpherson and a significant loss of on-field confidence. Smith moved to the Sydney Swans in 1985 hoping to revive his fortunes but added just four games to his tally before finishing his career with Brunswick in the VFA.