Jesse W. Smith
{{Short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{distinguish|Jess Smith}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Jesse Smith
| image =
| fullname = Jesse W. Smith
| nickname = JW, Boston
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|9|29}}
| birth_place = Victoria, Australia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| originalteam = Calder Cannons
| draftpick = 47th overall (father/son), 2004
{{AFL Kan}}
| height = 191 cm
| weight = 83 kg
| position = Half back / Midfielder
| statsend = 2009
| years1 = 2005–2009
| club1 = {{AFL Kan}}
| games_goals1 = 27 (3)
| years2 = 2010
| club2 = {{AFL Stk}}
| games_goals2 = {{0}}0 (0)
| games_goalstotal = 27 (3)
| careerhighlights = * Larke Medal 2004
- 2007 AFL Rising Star nominee
}}
Jesse W. Smith (born 29 September 1986) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for St Kilda and North Melbourne in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is the son of former North Melbourne player, Ross Smith. Formerly playing for North Melbourne, he was drafted to play for St Kilda in 2010, and retired at the end of 2010.
AFL career
= North Melbourne =
After being selected by North Melbourne under the father–son rule in the 2004 AFL draft, Smith made his debut during the 2004 AFL season. However, Smith struggled with injury throughout his entire career, missing all of the 2006 AFL season due to an ankle injury. He returned in 2007, earning a nomination for the AFL Rising Star after gathering 27 possessions in a game against Essendon.[http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21734201-23211,00.html "Roos defender catches eye"] However, Smith was again limited by injuries during the 2008 season, playing only two games after suffering a series of hamstring injuries.Denham, Greg (30 April 2009) [https://archive.today/20121215204415/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25409743-5012432,00.html Jesse Smith sees light at end of long tunnel]
Smith managed just two games for North Melbourne's Victorian Football League (VFL) affiliate North Ballarat Football Club reserves in 2009 and re-injured his hamstring in the second of them. Frustrated with the Kangaroos' facilities, he knocked back a new contract and asked the club to trade him. After no trade was reached, he was delisted and started training with Hawthorn.Clark, Jay (11 October 2009) [http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26193900-5018851,00.html "Smith leaves Roos with a swipe"] On 26 November 2009, St Kilda drafted him with pick number 60 in the 2009 AFL draft.
In 2010 Smith played four games for St Kilda's VFL affiliate Sandringham Football Club and looked like a possible wildcard come finals timeHolmesby, Luke (6 May 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100507090807/http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=93686 "EXCLUSIVE: Smith nearing return for Saints"] before breaking down with an ankle injury.Robinson, Mark (28 June 2010) [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jesse-smith-bows-to-injury/story-e6frf9jf-1225884993393?from=public_rss "Jesse Smith bows to injury"] Smith retired from the Saints at the end of 2010 because of his injury toll; it impacted his fitness, skills and game time. It was widely believed that after his last ankle injury, he would not be able to compete at AFL level.Holmesby, Luke (11 October 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20101012153939/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/104048/default.aspx "Saints sign two assistants, Smith retires"]
After retirement
As of 2012, Smith coordinates three-day junior sporting camps for Australian Sports Cadets.{{cite news|last=Bown|first=Nick|title=Cruel Contrast|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140126/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705040246/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140126/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 July 2012|access-date=2 July 2012|date=2 July 2012}}
Honours and achievements
- AFL Rising Star nomination: 2007
- Larke Medal: 2004
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{AFL Tables|J/Jesse_Smith0}}
{{2007 AFL Rising Star nominees}}
{{2004 AFL national draft}}
{{2009 AFL national draft}}
{{Larke Medal}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Jesse W.}}
Category:North Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Australian rules footballers from Melbourne
Category:Calder Cannons players
Category:Aberfeldie Football Club players
Category:Sandringham Football Club players