The stats
AFL games: 22
Disposals per game: 22.7
Marks: 5.9
Kicks: 14.2
Tackles: 3
Total goals: 14
Review
In his first year as vice-captain of Hawthorn, Isaac Smith delivered yet another consistent season.
Averaging 22.7, the 28-year old picked up the second most disposals of any Hawk, behind league leader Tom Mitchell.
Smith remained one of the competition’s leading forward 50 deliverers, averaging 4.6 inside 50s per game to rank amongst the league’s top ten in the category.
His 2.4 clearances per game in 2017 was also a new personal best.
Smith’s best game for the year came in the stirring Round 10 victory over Sydney at the SCG.
The wingman had 30 possessions, 11 marks, five tackles and six inside 50s to be a key reason for the Hawks’ upset win.
One of only six Hawks to play every game this season, Smith can expect to finish high in the voting in next month’s Peter Crimmins Medal count.
A word from: Brett Ratten
“It was his first year as vice-captain, which he will benefit enormously from as he learnt about the leadership role and responsibility.
“Isaac’s best is when he is running with the ball and kicking the ball. To see him kick three goals in the Round 23 game against the Bulldogs and get his 20-odd possessions is a real strength of his.
“That’s something in 2018 that we want to see more of. But he had a solid season and I think he will really benefit from his leadership role this year.”
