He showed that again on Saturday in winning the Nalder Medal in the Storm’s seven-point Bendigo Football League grand final victory over Sandhurst at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

From quarter-time onwards Smith was outstanding off the half-back line for the Storm, whether it be in tight at the stoppages or springboarding Strathfieldsaye out of danger into attack.

He barely wasted a possession – and he had plenty – played with poise and class and was a constant thorn for Sandhurst as the Dragons pressed hard in the second half to reel in the Storm.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling after this win and to get the job done after going in undefeated is fantastic,” said Smith, who as well as playing in his second Storm flag also played in two with Calivil United in 2007 and 2008.

“I was lucky to be in the right places at the right time today and just happy to play my role.”