COLLINGWOOD midfielder Josh Smith is still pinching himself as he continues to live out his AFL dream.
The mature-aged recruit from Queensland has been a revelation for the Magpies this season after debuting on Anzac Day in round five.
Since then the 22-year-old hasn't missed a beat, averaging 21 possessions per game.
His best games have come against both West Australian sides, with a 29-disposal performance against the Eagles in round six, and on Friday night a 25-touch, one-goal display against Fremantle.
"Absolutely, I'm still pinching myself," Smith told AFL.com.au.
"I'm absolutely loving playing at Collingwood. I'm really enjoying the challenge. I was overlooked for four or five years but I always thought I was good enough so when I get an opportunity now I just try to relish it as much as possible."
After several years of being knocked back at the NAB AFL Draft, Smith was finally recruited from Redland in the NEAFL, with Collingwood selecting him at pick No.25 in last year's rookie draft.
There were times when the Queenslander thought he might never achieve his dream of playing AFL.
But the self-confessed footy tragic said it was his genuine passion for the game, and a pact he made with his late father, Alan, who passed away six years ago, that motivated him to reach his goal.
"The love of the game has kept me going and really driven me towards this level," Smith said.
"When I was 18 and 19 and not getting picked up, it was really frustrating at times thinking 'maybe it's just not going to happen'.
"But the last couple of years before I got drafted I just tried to enjoy playing with my mates, enjoy the game for what it is.
"When [dad] passed away it was hard to take but I was really determined to put in place what he tried to set up when I was a teenager. I think he'd be pretty proud of me."
As he adjusts to life as an AFL footballer, and to life in Melbourne, Smith has teammate Adam Treloar guiding him along the way.
The pair have formed a strong friendship at Collingwood, and the midfielder said he's learning plenty from the former Giant.
"Adam, is not really a mentor, because he's only a couple of months older than me, but he's someone I really look up to in terms of how he prepares himself for games," he said.
"He's been really good for me, and I try and do plenty of extra work with him."
