Nick Smith retirement

[barry]

Probably the most reliable player at the swans. Always glad to see him in the side when playing against Rioli.

[Ralph Dawg]

Smooch, what a legend. Every team needs a guy like him. Horse makes the comment about how he wonders how Smith slept on Friday nights - I would counter with how did guys like Rioli slept prior to playing on Smith! The guy was like a vice the way he would pressure his opponent.

[dimelb]

Odd that such a wonderful player should get such little recognition apart from the Swans - and the players he played on!

Great career Smithy. May life after Swans be kind to you.

[Sandrevan]

Oh Nick Smith - I thought he might finish this year. What a great player he was (is). The embodiment of the bloods spirit. Certainly, not enough recognition from the Vic-centric AFL media.

Best of luck in the future Nick - we'll miss you.

[111431]

always played to the best of his ability and played the game as it should be played - always hard and fair. Will be very hard to replace.

[the jackal]

Great player and great clubman. I hope he stays part of the club.

Nick was well liked by the Academy boys when he did some work down there a while ago. He'd seem to be a great fit for a job down there and then progress

[bloodspirit]

Smooch, say it ain't so! This is the end of an era. You will be so missed! Like so many here, Smooch was one of my faves. Love the way he goes about it. So unassuming and dedicated. So warm and friendly when I've run into him on the street. I'm really pleased he was recognised with an AA selection. He deserved it and he got it played a role where recognition is hard to come by. The fact that he was selected despite his untrendy lock-down role is testament to how good he was at his job. Really hope we can keep him involved with the club. Also look forward to hearing some acknowledgments from his opponents over the journey.

[Scottee]

Backbone of the backline. Is missed and will be missed.

[Sandridge]

One of the absolute best. Huge part of us winning 2012 premiership.

And that, deservedly, will make him a Swans legend!

Thanks for everything Nick!!

[stevoswan]

Oh Nick Smith - I thought he might finish this year. What a great player he was (is). The embodiment of the bloods spirit. Certainly, not enough recognition from the Vic-centric AFL media.

Whoa...he only retired today. Give them a chance. There's an article on the Vic-centric AFL website and ABC TV News have been reporting it all day. I'm sure there will be stuff (albeit small) in the Age and the Hun tomorrow. We'll see....

What can we say about Nick Smith? Swans legend, best back pocket in the last twenty years. No one could stop the leagues best small forwards like Smooch. We were a far better side with him in it. All the best in your post footy life Nick.....

[Mel_C]

Was really sad when I heard the news this morning. It's a shame he wasn't able to overcome his injury and play this year.

He was our Mr Reliable and you knew he had a good game when you realised you hadn't noticed him all game. He was very rarely beaten and he was one of the few that was able to keep Cyril quiet.

I hope there is a big turnout for our final home game to farewell our retirees.

[gazza]

thanks nick for your great service to the swans. always remembered

[KSAS]

I was hoping he'd continue to next year but alas his injury must be too much. Significant that Nick's last game was also Alex Johnson's last game in that match against Melbourne late last year at the MCG. That is now doubly sad looking back. At Least Nick out lasted Cyril & will always be a Swans legend. Biggest year of Swans greats retirements I can ever recall, particularly with Jack's retirement looking imminent.

[bloodspirit]

The tributes are coming in on twitter: Twitter reacts: Nick Smith retires - sydneyswans.com.au. But still nothing much from his opponents and contemporaries. Not that I've seen anyway.

I hope this doesn't do an injustice to Smooch, but for me he's in the same category as LRT. Both underrated, both gave heart and soul and both are completely loveable. However, Smooch was probably more reliable and LRT never earned AA selection (although he did manage two outstanding grand final performances to win two premierships). I hope Smooch has established himself in Sydney and hangs around or, if not, remains a part of the club from wherever he winds up.

[bloodspirit]

Love thisyoung smooch.jpg