Ray Smith

Hailing from Queensland, Ray Smith was a pioneering multi-code athlete whose path to the VFL was anything but traditional. A junior prodigy who played senior football for Western Districts at just 15, he was initially blocked from joining the Victorian league due to interstate development rules. Unfazed, Smith switched codes to Rugby League, where he famously played in a premiership side for Fortitude Valley in 1970. Essendon eventually secured his services in 1971, and he quickly established himself as a reliable, solidly built half-back flanker. Noted for his durability, Smith played 66 consecutive games for the Bombers, becoming a defensive mainstay who went about his business with little fuss.

Smith's career is perhaps best remembered for a highly unusual mid-season transfer in 1975. After playing the first 12 rounds for Essendon, he was cleared to Melbourne during the week and debuted for the Demons in Round 13, effectively playing for two clubs in the same season. His time at Melbourne allowed him to etch his name in history as the first Queenslander to play 100 VFL games, a milestone the Brisbane Lions continue to recognise with an honour board in his name. He finished his VFL career as a respected defender before moving to the VFA, where he captain-coached Camberwell and won a premiership with Brunswick.