2020 Trade & Free Agency Spotlight | Isaac Smith
Written by Joseph Addamo
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
Looking to take the next step in 2021, the success of this off-season’s recruiting is critical. We will be looking at various opposition players on the open market that could add another dimension to the current crop of players.
This is the Blue Abroad Trade & Free Agency Player Spotlight for Hawthorn’s #16 – Isaac Smith.
WHO IS ISAAC SMITH?
Junior Club: North Ballarat, VFL
AFL Selection: Pick 19, 2010 AFL National Draft by the Hawthorn Hawks
Age (@ Round 1, 2021): 32
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
Position(s): Midfielder
Career Games: 210
Career Goals: 165
WHAT IS ISAAC SMITH’S STRONGEST ATTRIBUTES?
Hard-running and the ability to kick goals as a midfielder are showcases of Isaac Smith’s game. An integral part of Hawthorn’s three-peat, Smith has forged a career as the link-man between midfield and the Hawks’ forward 50. Along with his above average 3.9 inside 50s per game, he’s also contributed 165 goals of his own.
In his career to date, Smith rates as elite for bounces per game (1.2), effective kicks (8.6), metres gained (397), uncontested possessions (15.6) and marks (5.5). He also ranks above average for overall disposal efficiency (73.6%), disposals (21.2), kick-to-handball ratio (1.5) and score involvements (5.9).
Considering the high kick-to-handball ratio of David Teague’s Blues, Smith’s attributes would harmoniously sync straight in with the group. Much like Luke Hodge’s veteran experience at the Brisbane Lions, Smith’s longevity would account for at least 2 more years of the best that Smith has to offer.
WHERE WOULD ISAAC SMITH FIT IN CARLTON’S STARTING 22?
As an outside midfielder and along the wing, Smith’s gut running through the midfield would position him firmly in Carlton’s starting 22. His highly effective presence as a mid-forward connector would provide greater efficiency for the often wayward Blues when moving the ball inside 50.
While he will be 32 years old at the beginning of the 2021 season, his career is relatively young. Next season will be just his 11th after being drafted as a mature-aged recruit in 2010. His best has not passed him, and his impact on games was highlighted no better than in a recent Round 16, 2019 encounter with Collingwood. Smith finished with 25 disposals going at 76% efficiency, 15 kicks (11 effective), 8 marks and game-highs in metres gained (683) and inside 50s (11).
With ‘Simmo’s retirement, the need for a veteran-head – and one with extensive Premiership credentials – couldn’t be more evident for the Blues, and Smith fits the bill.
WHAT IS ISAAC SMITH’S CONTRACT STATUS?
With the Hawks about to enter a rebuild, Smith finds himself with the potential for a two-year extension to help the club through. However, this has not stopped rival clubs asking the question of the unrestricted free agent.
Melbourne have been highly publicized as chasing his services, while it has also been reported that up to three other clubs have enquired about his services. A reduced contract of approximately $350,000 in the cap over three years may be enough to entice the midfielder out of Hawthorn. However, it does seem he looks increasingly likely to stay with each day that passes.
REALISTIC ACQUISITION RATING
4 / 10
