LUKE Smith has become the first confirmed departure from Geelong’s VFL list, with the small forward ready to move on to the next stage of his football career.
Smith, who joined the Cats from Shepparton ahead of the 2019 season, has plans to play football in the Northern Territory over the summer before considering his next move.
The 24-year-old says he enjoyed his time at the Cats.
“It’s been really good,” he said. “I’ve met a heap of great people – the players, the coaching staff, everyone involved down there, and I’ve learnt heaps along the way.
“Which has been great for my football development, and even me as a person; it got me out my comfort zone of being down in Shepparton.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of the program and the people involved.”
Smith played eight VFL games and kicked eight goals for Geelong. He best-on-ground honours for the Cats with four goals in their win over the AFL Academy.
The former Murray Bushranger will play with Southern Districts in the NTFL, where he hopes to take the field with fellow Shepparton product and former Cat Nik Rokahr.
“I put a few feelers out to a few blokes I know who have played up there at different stages,” he said.
“I hope to play footy with Nik again. We played quite a bit of junior footy together, then 3-4 years at Shepp together, and down at Geelong.
“It would be good to link up with him again. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve played with him.”
Smith made five senior appearances with GFL club Bell Park, including three in 2019, in which he kicked 18 goals.
He says even if he returns to Victoria next winter, it won’t be at the Dragons.
“I’ve informed Bell Park of what my plans were, and there were no hard feelings there – they were fine with it.,” he said.
Twitter: @tom_king79
