DEVON Smith says an injury likely to end his playing days to yet to sink in.
The Lara co-coach will undergo surgery tomorrow (Tuesday) on a ruptured Achilles suffered in the second quarter of Saturday’s practice match against Hoppers Crossing at Anakie Reserve.
It was the 29-year-old first appearance for the club since 2009 before he went to the Geelong Falcons and on to a 182-game AFL career with the GWS Giants and Essendon.
“To play with a few of my best mates was the dream,” Smith said.
“To try and help out my childhood club was all I wanted to do.
“To get through only a quarter-and-a-half of footy is pretty deflating.”
The 2018 Bombers’ best-and-fairest first thought he had been kicked from behind.
“I said to my opponent, ‘did you just kick me?'” Smith recalled.
“And he said, ‘Nah, mate. I was nowhere near you. And I was like, ‘oh my God. What does that mean?’
“I walked off, and Rock (co-coach Shayne Stone) looked at me and said, ‘what have you done?’
“‘I’m pretty certain I’ve snapped my Achilles’.”
GFNL: MENSCH’S DEPARTURE SOFTENED
Smith is working towards becoming a golf professional and has ruled out playing football again.
“It was already a big effort for me to come back as it was,” he said. “Now that this has happened, I’m thinking big picture.
“I want to start a family, travel, play golf.
“I’d be shocked if I attempted to come back and play.”
Leading orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Oppy will perform the surgery on Smith, who will then turn his attention to helping lift Lara up the GFNL ladder in an off-field role.
“I’m not the sort of guy to sook too much,” Smith said.
“Once I get my surgery and figure out what the way is forward for me, I’ll be back at the club as soon as possible and help out.
“I’d like to be hands-on as much as I can.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
