NICK Smith gives sydneyswans.com.au his thoughts about season 2010, some of his toughest opponents, and his plans for the break...

What was the highlight of the season?
The highlight for me was either our last game on the SCG with Kirky and Roosy, or the elimination final win against Carlton. They were both really good.

What about in a personal sense? You started the year in the reserves but came in and had a good run, so what do you think you achieved?
It was just good playing some consistent footy again, and the highlight personally, even though it was a team thing, was playing in the finals.

You had some tough opponents this year…
Each week you come up against another good player so it’s quite unrelenting but it is good playing on the best players because it helps you get up and motivated for the game.

Does it teach you a lot?
Yes, playing on each of the different opponents teaches you a fair bit. They are all good and have different attributes and it is helpful to learn how each of them use their strengths.

Who were some of the more difficult opponents?
Luke Hodge from Hawthorn; Steve Johnson from Geelong and Alan Didak from Collingwood, just to name a few.

Do you feel you stepped up to a different level this season?
I definitely improved from last year but there is definitely a lot more improvement to go. I still have to work on the offensive side of my game. Defensively I was ok this year but I have to keep improving on that more attacking side and to show more leadership on the ground.

Which of your team-mates stood out?
Mike Pyke. I don’t know how many games he’s played but it’s probably only about 40 AFL games in his life, so to come from where he’s come from and he’s had a really good year and improved heaps.

What are you going to do in the break?
I’m going to go to Melbourne for a few weeks and then over to Europe with a couple of mates I went to school with. We’re flying to Prague and then Berlin, Amsterdam, London and Ireland.

Nick Smith in action during season 2010: