Today the Hawks announced their leadership team including Jarryd Roughead to captain the side, Smith and Liam Shiels to assume vice captaincy roles and Jack Gunston, Ben Stratton, Luke Hodge, and Josh Gibson to round out the seven-man leadership team.

Roughead replaces Hodge for the captaincy with Hodge, a three-time premiership captain, leaving big shoes to fill. 

Smith’s story is one everyone in Cootamundra is proud of – the son of former Sacred Heart Central School principal Wayne Smith, he was always a talented sportsman; a handy cricketer as well as footballer. 

He played Australian rules for Redan in the Ballarat competition while attending university, before being poached by the North Ballarat Roosters for the final stages of the VFL season.

Not only did Smith slot into the Roosters roster, he played a vital role as North Ballarat claimed the VFL premiership flag.

He was then asked to attend the Victorian State Combine screening sessions for potential draftees and impressed with his athletic ability and skills.

He was the number 19 pick for the Hawks in the draft completed in 2010 and has not looked back. 

His time with Hawthorn has been dotted with highlights including three premiership flags. 

In a statement released by the club today Hodge, who captained the side for 125 games, said it has been an honour and a privilege to captain the Hawthorn Football Club and now is the perfect time for Roughhead to take the reins.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see him grow and develop as a leader and there is no better person to lead our club in 2017,” Hodge said. 

“I’ve always thought I’d like to be around to help out and support my successor so I’m rapt that Rough’s appointment means I’ll have the opportunity to do that,” he continued.