Isaac Smith reveals retirement date

FOUR-time AFL premiership player and 2022 Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith will retire at the conclusion of Geelong’s 2023 season.

Smith, who has played a combined 277 games for the Cats and Hawthorn, announced his retirement to his teammates yesterday (Wednesday, August 9).

“I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play AFL football, it is every kids dream growing up and to have that play out for me across the last 13 seasons at two great clubs is something really special,” he said.

“From the time I walked into Hawthorn, and now being at Geelong, I have always felt right at home at both organisations and to this day have made some very special friendships and bonds with a lot of people.

“I would like to thank everyone along the journey, in particular my wife Candice and children Isla and Emmett. I will forever be indebted to you for the support you have shown me.”

Smith was selected by Hawthorn with Pick 19 in the 2010 AFL National Draft playing a vital role in Hawthorn’s three-peat premierships triumph in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Making his debut in Round 7 of the 2011 season against Port Adelaide, Smith played 210 games for the Hawks, serving as the co-vice-captain along with Liam Shiels from 2017 to 2019, and remained a member of Hawthorn’s leadership group in 2020.

Renowned for his blistering speed and ball use, Smith moved down the highway to Geelong at the end of the 2020 season.

Smith has played 67 out of a possible 70 games for the Cats, which includes six finals appearances, 39 goals and a winning percentage rate of 68.65%.

On Grand Final Day in 2022, Smith became the oldest player to win the Norm Smith Medal during the Cats’ 81-point victory over Sydney, gathering 32 disposals and 12 marks to go along with three goals.

Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd said Smith’s team first approach and football knowledge will be missed.

“Ever since walking into the Cattery, Isaac has been an important member of the club both on and off the field, highlighted by his strong mindset, competitive nature and balanced perspective on life and the game,” Lloyd said.

“Over his three seasons at the Cats, we have been blessed to have Isaac wear the Geelong hoops, he is a unique individual and his ability to bring energy around the Club is something that is going to be missed.

“On behalf of the club we would like to thank Isaac, his wife Candice and his kids Isla and Emmett for their contribution and dedication to the cats.”

Isaac Smith Fact File:

• Drafted at selection No.19 in the 2010 AFL National Draft
• Recruited from: Albury Tigers/Redan FC/North Ballarat (VFL)
• AFL/Hawthorn debut: Round 7 2011 v Port Adelaide, Football Park
• Geelong debut: Round 1 2021 v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
• Guernsey numbers: 16 Hawthorn, 7 Geelong
• Career games: 277* (210 Hawthorn and 67* Geelong
• Career goals: 204* (165 Hawthorn, 39* Geelong)
• AFL Premierships: Hawthorn – 2013, 2014, 2015 and Geelong 2022
• Norm Smith Medal: 2022
• Brownlow Medal votes: 34*
• Most disposals in a game: 36 in Round 3 v Western Bulldogs, 2016.