The stats

AFL games: 24

Disposals per game: 22.5

Marks: 5.8

Kicks: 13.9

Tackles: 2.8

Goals: 9

Review

Smith enjoyed an exceptional year for the Hawks, reaffirming his standing as one of the best outside runners in the competition.

While his after-the-siren kick for goal in the qualifying final against Geelong proved costly, it shouldn’t detract from the excellent year the speedy left-footer produced.

With Luke Hodge suffering a knee injury early in the season, Smith seemed to spend more time around the stoppages, collecting his highest number of clearances since 2013.

Now a three-time premiership player, Smith’s consistency across the course of the year was outstanding, collecting less than 20 disposals in a game on just three occasions.

His standout game of 2016 game in Round 21 against North Melbourne, when he collected 33 disposals, 11 marks, seven tackles, six inside 50s and four clearances, cutting the Kangaroos to ribbons through the midfield.

While his kick against Geelong drew a lot of headlines, Smith’s finishing in front of goal is certainly one area which can improve after a return of 9.16 this season.

Goal kicking aside, the 27-year-old is in the prime of his career, and will most definitely be a valuable member of the Hawthorn side into the future.

A word from: Damian Carroll

“Isaac’s year almost mirrors his previous season in terms of a statistical point of view.

“He regularly got over 20 possessions in his 24 games – he averaged 23 for the season after averaging 23 last year and that average consisted of 14 kicks and nine handballs, so he’s a player who can take ground for us.

“Isaac became a leader of the footy club as he was admitted into the leadership group but his general enthusiasm around the club and working with younger players was noted.

“He needs to hit the scoreboard more than what he did, with 9.16 as compared to the previous year of 23.12. He did have opportunities as we know, but it was a pleasing season in a year where as an outside midfielder, it was a bit more difficult to find the ball as we weren’t as dominant as the previous year.”