With the 2012 season over, now is as good a time as any to review the seasons of each player to represent Hawthorn on hawthornfc.com.au at 9am each day.
In his second season at the elite level, Isaac Smith’s 2012 season got off to a slow start after playing the opening two rounds of the home-and-away season.
A hip injury had him sidelined for three weeks by Round 3, keeping him out of the Hawthorn side until the Round 6 win over St Kilda at the MCG.
He made his presence felt, with 22 possessions, five marks, two tackles and a goal.
His next best performance was in the Round 8 win over Fremantle in Tasmania, with 20 possessions, six marks and four tackles.
Another five tackles against Richmond in Round 9, coupled with returns of five and six tackles against Collingwood and Geelong in Rounds 1 and 2, it became clear that Smith was adding a defensive aspect to his already damaging offensive game.
By the end of the season, Smith had raised his tackling average from 2.5 tackles per game in 2011, to 3.9 in 2012, synonymous with the high pressure game style and evolution of the modern game.
It seemed as though his coach, Alastair Clarkson continued to develop Smith by entrusting him with a variety of roles, ensuring he becomes a more complete player, with offensive and defensive strengths.
Smith encountered some criticism amongst fans, with his disposal by foot at the forefront. But, after Round 11, his disposal efficiency average stood at 81 per cent, a figure comparative with midfielders of his ilk.
By the end of the season, his disposal efficiency average dropped to 73 per cent, a figure skewed by the number of games played since the mid-way point of the season (eight games before and 14 matches after Round 11).
Interestingly, his 73 per cent ranking has him ranked higher in the league than some of the competition’s “elite” users by foot, including Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury (71 per cent), Richmond’s Brett Deledio and St Kilda’s Lenny Hayes (72 per cent).
His strongest performances arguably came in the second half of the season, as he adjusted to his role as a player relied upon to inject speed, as well as applying pressure on the defensive end.
That was best showcased against the Giants in Round 15 when Smith was named in the best with 24 disposals, eight marks and seven tackles. His performance too, against Collingwood in Round 17 was impressive with 20 disposals against quality opposition.
Arguably his most “complete” game, however, came in the Round 18 win over Essendon, where he amassed 22 disposals, five marks, three tackles and two goals.
The Hawks see the speedy wingman as a key player in its future, signing him up for two seasons - tying him to the Club until the end of the 2014 season.
Smith says he wants to keep building as he forges a name for himself on the AFL landscape.
“I just want to keep building on that and provide the club and the team with a different look,” he said.
His speed off the mark and ability to break the lines is invaluable to the Hawks, making him an important player. Whenever the Hawks need run, or a spark, Smith takes it upon himself to provide it.
With the departure of fellow wingman Clinton Young, Smith’s role in the side will become even more important as he will be one of the players required to step up and fill the void left by the long-kicking wingman.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 22 | 10.1 | 7.5 | 17.5 | 73 | 4.8 | 12.2 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 3.9 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 44 |
Isaac Smith loves to celebrate a goal and giving the team some spark.
Smith in the news in 2012
Smith signs for two seasons Isaac puts on the Jets My Take: Olympics My Take: Bledisloe CupVideos featuring Smith from season 2012
Smith on life as a footballer Seven in Seven: SmithLeave your view on Isaac Smith's season below.
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2012 Player Review
