Isaac Smith

Isaac Smith arrived in the AFL via a less conventional pathway, drafted by Hawthorn with pick 19 in the 2010 National Draft as a mature-age recruit from the North Ballarat Roosters. Having risen quickly from local football to a VFL premiership, Smith immediately established himself at the elite level with his supreme aerobic capacity and piercing left-foot kick. He became the archetypal wingman of his generation, instrumental in Hawthorn's golden era where he played a pivotal role in the historic "three-peat" of premierships between 2013 and 2015. His ability to break lines and kick long goals made him a constant offensive threat, though his Hawthorn tenure famously included the heartbreak of a missed shot after the siren in the 2016 Qualifying Final against Geelong.

At the conclusion of the 2020 season, Smith exercised his free agency rights to join those very arch-rivals at Kardinia Park, a move that added significant intrigue to the clubs' fierce modern history. While some questioned the recruitment of a veteran largely reliant on speed and endurance, Smith defied age demographics to produce a stunning final chapter to his career. He capped off his time in the game with a best-on-ground performance in the 2022 Grand Final, claiming a fourth premiership medallion and becoming the oldest player in history to win the Norm Smith Medal. Retiring at the end of 2023, Smith departed as one of the most decorated players of the modern era, celebrated for his longevity, relentless running, and proven ability to perform on the biggest stage.