Hawthorn veteran, Joel Smith, has called it a day on a career which has spanned 13 years, two clubs, and 221 games at the top level.
Smith informed the Club of his decision on Tuesday, having enjoyed several days to reflect on his decision with his family, before telling his teammates and the coaching staff of his decision.
“Retirement is one of the biggest decisions you can make, one that can’t be taken lightly and I thought the time was right – and it’s time to move on,” Smith told hawthornfc.com.au.
“It was a decision done in conjunction with several people. Over a 13 year footy career you have a lot of people that come along for the ride – like family – and there are a lot of people to consider. I’ve been discussing it with them for a little while.
“I’ve played 13 seasons – and I’m 30 now and we’ve got a great young list.”
The quality of player that Hawthorn has been able to develop over the past few seasons is in no small part due to the role played by senior players like Smith and the similarly retiring Ben Dixon, who have brought maturity and stability to what has been recognised in 2007 as a robust and exciting brand of football.
However, Smith realises that it was time to hand over his mantle to aspiring youngsters, as he prepares for life after the AFL.
“Part of my decision was made up after going through the list and thinking about where that leaves me with my footy – knowing that there probably were only going to be limited opportunities for me next year.
“Finishing off this season in a final at the MCG in front of 75,000 people – even though we lost – it wasn’t a bad way to end my career – and all that went through my mind.”
Hawthorn Coach, Alastair Clarkson, reflected on Smith’s contribution to the Club, who, as a player gave the coach a valuable and versatile footballer with a mature head and the ability to play small or tall across the ground.
“Joel has been a tremendous contributor to the Club. He has been a strong role model for young men who want to battle to make it in football. He has played a significant part in getting this club back to competing in September and we wish him well with all of his future endeavours.
The versatile defender started his career with St Kilda, taken as their first round draft pick in the 1994 Nation Draft. However, following an horrific knee injury, it was the Hawks who showed faith in the running half-back, and gave him a life line that he feels he has in some part repaid with a decade of service at the top.
“Hawthorn took a punt on me 10 years ago when I had that train wreck of a knee and missed 20 months of footy. I am forever grateful for that,” said Smith.
Hawthorn Best and Fairest in 2001, vice-captain in 2005, All-Australian in 2001 and 2003 and St Kilda pre-season premiership in 1996 are amongst Smith’s personal achievements. However, it is two finals appearances with the Hawks that Smith rates as his greatest moments in AFL.
“My best memories are those that I’ve done with my team.
“My two highlights; the Port Adelaide 2001 semi-final win over there. The travel – going over on there in a cargo plane – the momentum - the amazing energy that we were playing on. And the second was the first final this season against Adelaide at the Telstra Dome. The spectators were amazing. The atmosphere was electric. Playing down the defensive end and what the young guys down he other end doing what they did to win the game – it was just an amazing thing to be part of.
“I’m a little bit nervous about what’s ahead – but that’s also exciting. There is life after footy and for me - that’s the next chapter. “
Joel Smith Fact File
Selected at No. 5 in 1994 National Draft
Selected at No.2 in 1998 Pre-season Draft
Recruited from: Yarrawonga / Murray U18 / St Kilda
AFL debut: Round 3, 1995
Hawthorn FC debut: Round 2, 1999
DOB: 03.05.1977
Height: 185cm
Weight: 87kg
Games: 221 (St Kilda 58)
Goals: 90 (St Kilda 51)
Player honours
Hawthorn: Club Champion 2001, Most Consistent 2003, 3rd Peter Crimmins Medal 2004, Hawthorn FC vice-captain 2005
St Kilda: Pre-season premiership 1996
AFL: All-Australian 2001, 2003, International Rules Series 2001, AFL Rising Star nominee 1995,
Draft history
1994 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (St Kilda) No. 5 overall traded by Sydney for Tony Lockett; 1998 Pre-Season Draft 1st round selection (Hawthorn) No. 2 overall
Smith informed the Club of his decision on Tuesday, having enjoyed several days to reflect on his decision with his family, before telling his teammates and the coaching staff of his decision.
“Retirement is one of the biggest decisions you can make, one that can’t be taken lightly and I thought the time was right – and it’s time to move on,” Smith told hawthornfc.com.au.
“It was a decision done in conjunction with several people. Over a 13 year footy career you have a lot of people that come along for the ride – like family – and there are a lot of people to consider. I’ve been discussing it with them for a little while.
“I’ve played 13 seasons – and I’m 30 now and we’ve got a great young list.”
The quality of player that Hawthorn has been able to develop over the past few seasons is in no small part due to the role played by senior players like Smith and the similarly retiring Ben Dixon, who have brought maturity and stability to what has been recognised in 2007 as a robust and exciting brand of football.
However, Smith realises that it was time to hand over his mantle to aspiring youngsters, as he prepares for life after the AFL.
“Part of my decision was made up after going through the list and thinking about where that leaves me with my footy – knowing that there probably were only going to be limited opportunities for me next year.
“Finishing off this season in a final at the MCG in front of 75,000 people – even though we lost – it wasn’t a bad way to end my career – and all that went through my mind.”
Hawthorn Coach, Alastair Clarkson, reflected on Smith’s contribution to the Club, who, as a player gave the coach a valuable and versatile footballer with a mature head and the ability to play small or tall across the ground.
“Joel has been a tremendous contributor to the Club. He has been a strong role model for young men who want to battle to make it in football. He has played a significant part in getting this club back to competing in September and we wish him well with all of his future endeavours.
The versatile defender started his career with St Kilda, taken as their first round draft pick in the 1994 Nation Draft. However, following an horrific knee injury, it was the Hawks who showed faith in the running half-back, and gave him a life line that he feels he has in some part repaid with a decade of service at the top.
“Hawthorn took a punt on me 10 years ago when I had that train wreck of a knee and missed 20 months of footy. I am forever grateful for that,” said Smith.
Hawthorn Best and Fairest in 2001, vice-captain in 2005, All-Australian in 2001 and 2003 and St Kilda pre-season premiership in 1996 are amongst Smith’s personal achievements. However, it is two finals appearances with the Hawks that Smith rates as his greatest moments in AFL.
“My best memories are those that I’ve done with my team.
“My two highlights; the Port Adelaide 2001 semi-final win over there. The travel – going over on there in a cargo plane – the momentum - the amazing energy that we were playing on. And the second was the first final this season against Adelaide at the Telstra Dome. The spectators were amazing. The atmosphere was electric. Playing down the defensive end and what the young guys down he other end doing what they did to win the game – it was just an amazing thing to be part of.
“I’m a little bit nervous about what’s ahead – but that’s also exciting. There is life after footy and for me - that’s the next chapter. “
Joel Smith Fact File
Selected at No. 5 in 1994 National Draft
Selected at No.2 in 1998 Pre-season Draft
Recruited from: Yarrawonga / Murray U18 / St Kilda
AFL debut: Round 3, 1995
Hawthorn FC debut: Round 2, 1999
DOB: 03.05.1977
Height: 185cm
Weight: 87kg
Games: 221 (St Kilda 58)
Goals: 90 (St Kilda 51)
Player honours
Hawthorn: Club Champion 2001, Most Consistent 2003, 3rd Peter Crimmins Medal 2004, Hawthorn FC vice-captain 2005
St Kilda: Pre-season premiership 1996
AFL: All-Australian 2001, 2003, International Rules Series 2001, AFL Rising Star nominee 1995,
Draft history
1994 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (St Kilda) No. 5 overall traded by Sydney for Tony Lockett; 1998 Pre-Season Draft 1st round selection (Hawthorn) No. 2 overall
