Steven Smith
Melbourne
AFL career
203 games144 goals
- Debut
- R3 1974 v GEE20 Apr 1974
- Most recent
- R6 1985 v NTH4 May 1985
Stats
1985 | MEL | 4 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 7.3 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
1984 | MEL | 19 | 6.5 | 2.6 | 9.2 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
1983 | MEL | 17 | 7.9 | 2.5 | 10.4 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1982 | MEL | 18 | 6.8 | 2.7 | 9.5 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
1981 | MEL | 22 | 9.7 | 3.5 | 13.2 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
1980 | MEL | 16 | 10.8 | 4.1 | 14.9 | 5.0 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
1979 | MEL | 16 | 8.4 | 3.9 | 12.4 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.5 |
1978 | MEL | 22 | 9.8 | 3.0 | 12.7 | 4.2 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
1977 | MEL | 11 | 10.1 | 3.7 | 13.8 | 4.5 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
1976 | MEL | 19 | 12.6 | 3.1 | 15.7 | 6.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.4 |
1975 | MEL | 22 | 9.6 | 2.3 | 11.9 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 0.8 |
1974 | MEL | 17 | 10.4 | 3.3 | 13.6 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.4 |
Bio
Steven Smith was a shining light during a bleak era for the Melbourne Football Club, serving as a loyal servant and captain through the lean years of the 1970s and 80s. A local product recruited from Ormond, he holds the unique distinction of being the first VFL footballer to graduate from the halftime ‘Little League’ competition to the senior ranks. Standing 193cm, Smith began his career as a key forward capable of brilliance—booting seven goals on multiple occasions—but he struggled for consistency in front of the sticks. His career trajectory changed dramatically with the arrival of Ron Barassi in 1981, who swung him to fullback. The move unlocked Smith’s potential, utilizing his height, strong hands, and mobility to anchor the defence, resulting in him winning the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal that same season.
Despite his individual success, Smith’s career is often defined by the team's lack of fortune; he remains one of a handful of players in VFL/AFL history to notch 200 games without playing a single final. His resilience was tested not just by the scoreboard, but by his body—he battled chronic hamstring issues and famously wore a helmet in his later years to cover a wig after developing alopecia. He captained the Demons from 1982 to 1984, rejecting offers from rival clubs to remain a one-club player until his retirement. Post-football, Smith maintained a powerful connection to the game, eventually serving as the President of the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Profile
- Born
- 22 May 1956 (age 70y 152d)
- Height
- 193 cm
- Weight
- 91 kg
Teams
Honours
- Melbourne B&F1981
- Top 10
- 1976, 1978, 1979, 1983
Bio
1 revisionSteven Smith was a shining light during a bleak era for the Melbourne Football Club, serving as a loyal servant and captain through the lean years of the 1970s and 80s. A local product recruited from Ormond, he holds the unique distinction of being the first VFL footballer to graduate from the halftime ‘Little League’ competition to the senior ranks. Standing 193cm, Smith began his career as a key forward capable of brilliance—booting seven goals on multiple occasions—but he struggled for consistency in front of the sticks. His career trajectory changed dramatically with the arrival of Ron Barassi in 1981, who swung him to fullback. The move unlocked Smith’s potential, utilizing his height, strong hands, and mobility to anchor the defence, resulting in him winning the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal that same season.
Despite his individual success, Smith’s career is often defined by the team's lack of fortune; he remains one of a handful of players in VFL/AFL history to notch 200 games without playing a single final. His resilience was tested not just by the scoreboard, but by his body—he battled chronic hamstring issues and famously wore a helmet in his later years to cover a wig after developing alopecia. He captained the Demons from 1982 to 1984, rejecting offers from rival clubs to remain a one-club player until his retirement. Post-football, Smith maintained a powerful connection to the game, eventually serving as the President of the Melbourne Cricket Club.