When the names of the greats of our game are listed, leading – or at least near the front of the lineup - is inevitably one Norman Walter Smith.  He casts a massive shadow across the competition, and it is no surprise that until now, writing a complete biography - The Red Fox - has been a task that all have baulked at.

It has taken the combined sensitivity and piercing sharpness of Ben Collins’ 737-page volume to do justice to Smith.  From his birth on 21 November 1915, to his early death, aged just 57 in 1973, Smith’s was a full and emphatic life.

His was also a life filled with more than football.  While the game dominated, family, friends and business also had an important part to play.  All, of course were intertwined, such as when Smith took over his late father’s backyard engineering business and found that the physical work was so demanding that he ‘enlisted the help of Demon colossus Fred Fanning, along with another teammate, Col Bradley, for a few hours a week.’

It was not a luxurious existence by any means – and one of the golden threads of Smith’s life was that of generosity to a fault – but it was one that bred resilience, humour and perseverance.  The many interviewees in ‘The Red Fox’ did not all love Smith unreservedly, but all agreed that, in a myriad of ways, he made their lives richer.  Involved in ten Melbourne premierships as either player or coach, his intense dedication to the cause did not endear him to all, but, as Laurie Mithen, five-time premiership player, stated:

He made the rules and he enforced them, and you can’t ask for a straighter deal than that.  It makes playing pretty easy when you know exactly where you’re going and you accept what’s said.  And most of the players I’ve played with down there were willing to do this and this is, I think, the reason for our success over the years…

Those years are shared in absorbing detail, a treasure for all those who even hold a passing interest in the Smith story.  The interviewees – for whom the forum of this publication has provided a rare chance to gather their words together - and stories of Smith, lend depth, integrity and colour.  Through his research and writing, Collins has obviously formed a strong connection to the man and his life.  It shines through, and we are privileged to share it with him, and with Smith’s family, friends and adversaries alike. 

For granting us a unique and comprehensive understanding of a figure who is so much part of us, we owe Ben Collins and The Red Fox a huge debt of thanks.  More than that, we owe Norm Smith a silent moment of tribute as we read.

The Red Fox can be purchased through the MELBOURNEfc Megastore or online, retailing at $50.

Limited quantities available, orders can be placed.  Contact – (03) 9652 1170, or visit melbournefc.com.au