Western Jets’ reigning best and fairest winner Jake Smith is now the third person in his family to call Chirnside Park home.
The young gun has followed in the footsteps of his father Karl and grandfather Brian, signing a Victorian Football League contract with Werribee.
“Coming to Werribee has been awesome,” Smith said.
“Last year I was training with them while still at the Jets, so I’ve got to know everyone and it’s a really good system down there and getting a contract at Werribee this year was unreal, especially to follow in the footsteps of my dad and my pa.
“Earlier last year my pa passed away so to carry on what he started I think is going to be really good and I’m really keen to be stuck into it.
“My dad’s always been my biggest fan and my pa always loved to come down and watch me throughout my juniors, I’m his youngest grandson and the only boy in my family so footy has always been a big part of their lives and for me to play, they’ve loved it.”
Last season Smith was dominant in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23 disposals and six tackles for the Jets. He said he is hoping to keep last season’s good form up to see how far it can take him.
“Winning the best and fairest was a great achievement, it was a goal of mine so if I can just carry that on going into a higher level of footy, I think I’ll put myself in a good spot to have a good season,” he said.
“AFL is always what I’ve wanted to do. For me to keep working hard is probably the main goal and hopefully one day I can get there. But I’ll just take it one stage at a time for the moment.
“At Werribee they only want to see the players get better which is a great thing. So I think I’m in a good spot for me to keep going further with my footy.”
Following a grand final loss and lots of change on and off the field at Werribee, Smith said he is excited for what lies ahead for him and the team.
“It’s pretty much a whole new group, everyone is getting along well so I think we’re set up for a good year ahead,” he said.
“Looking forward to the season, it should be good.”
Harper Sercombe
