Originally from Tyntynder, Smith joined Richmond via its zone. He played in the club's 1977 under 19s premiership side and made his senior debut in 1980.
A ruck-rover/half-back, Smith won Richmond's best first year player award in 1980 and played in the record-breaking grand final win over Collingwood.
In 1981 he was named Richmond's most determined player and also represented Victoria.
At the end of 1982, Smith switched to St Kilda where he played 44 matches from 1983-85. He then returned to Tigerland in 1986 for a total of 56 matches with Richmond.
