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Height: 204cm
D.O.B: 24-09-2006
Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys
SNAPSHOT: “A towering ruck who thrives around the contest with his ability to get first hand on the ball and follow up to prise clearances.” – Michael Alvaro
The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy has been a great breeding ground for monster rucks over the years, and Logan Smith looks to be next off the production line. Measuring up at 204cm, the towering talent is arguably the Giants’ top prospect for 2024 and was awarded their Academy Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign across multiple levels for the orange team.
Smith also took out All-Australian honours at representative level, being named on the interchange bench for his full four-game campaign with the Allies. It came after clearly being the Giants’ best and most consistent player in three Coates Talent League fixtures. He went on to earn a berth at VFL level, making seven appearances in the state league for averages of nine disposals and 23 hitouts.
Team success came Smith’s way in the form of an AFL Canberra First Grade premiership with Queanbeyan. He booted a goal in the Grand Final having turned out just three times for the Tigers in 2024, after making his debut last year en route to 14 appearances (eight times in best). Smith was also a NSW-ACT Under 17 representative in 2023 and established himself as a staple in the Giants’ Under 18 side.
STRENGTHS:
IMPROVEMENTS:
Smith is the type of ruck whose size and aerial range forms the crux of his success. The 204cm prospect boasts a 273cm reach, the largest of anyone to test at the National Draft Combine. He is also solidly-built and utilises his frame to either hold his ground or push opposition rucks off the line of the ball. More often than not, particularly because of his physical gifts, he is able to get first hand to the ball.
While some of his craft can be further refined, Smith won the most hitouts to advantage at the Under 18 National Championships from an average of 21.5 overall. Smith's ability to do so was evident amongst his peers, but also held up against senior opposition in the VFL where he won 22.9 hitouts per game. The next step will be to convert his ability to hit the ball first, into more direct and purposeful taps.
Many of Smith's contributions occur at stoppages. Seven of his average 10.5 disposals during the National Championships were contested and 3.3 were clearances, as he followed up his initial acts and showcased sound fundamental skills. Smith played within his limits to take the ball cleanly and quickly dish off to running players, as shown by his handball-to-kick percentage of nearly 75 per cent in Allies colours.
While relatively mobile for his size, Smith can look to enhance some of his athletic traits. His speed and endurance are areas for improvement, with the latter a factor which could see him impact more around the ground, or away from the contest. Doing so will enable the bigman to stay involved in the game and have a greater marking presence, especially up forward where he could develop his scoreboard impact.
Logan Smith
GWS Academy / AlliesHeight: 204cm
D.O.B: 24-09-2006
Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys
SNAPSHOT: “A towering ruck who thrives around the contest with his ability to get first hand on the ball and follow up to prise clearances.” – Michael Alvaro
The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy has been a great breeding ground for monster rucks over the years, and Logan Smith looks to be next off the production line. Measuring up at 204cm, the towering talent is arguably the Giants’ top prospect for 2024 and was awarded their Academy Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign across multiple levels for the orange team.
Smith also took out All-Australian honours at representative level, being named on the interchange bench for his full four-game campaign with the Allies. It came after clearly being the Giants’ best and most consistent player in three Coates Talent League fixtures. He went on to earn a berth at VFL level, making seven appearances in the state league for averages of nine disposals and 23 hitouts.
Team success came Smith’s way in the form of an AFL Canberra First Grade premiership with Queanbeyan. He booted a goal in the Grand Final having turned out just three times for the Tigers in 2024, after making his debut last year en route to 14 appearances (eight times in best). Smith was also a NSW-ACT Under 17 representative in 2023 and established himself as a staple in the Giants’ Under 18 side.
STRENGTHS:
- Clean hands
- Follow-up work
- Reach
- Ruck craft
- Size
- Strength
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Endurance
- Speed
Smith is the type of ruck whose size and aerial range forms the crux of his success. The 204cm prospect boasts a 273cm reach, the largest of anyone to test at the National Draft Combine. He is also solidly-built and utilises his frame to either hold his ground or push opposition rucks off the line of the ball. More often than not, particularly because of his physical gifts, he is able to get first hand to the ball.
While some of his craft can be further refined, Smith won the most hitouts to advantage at the Under 18 National Championships from an average of 21.5 overall. Smith's ability to do so was evident amongst his peers, but also held up against senior opposition in the VFL where he won 22.9 hitouts per game. The next step will be to convert his ability to hit the ball first, into more direct and purposeful taps.
Many of Smith's contributions occur at stoppages. Seven of his average 10.5 disposals during the National Championships were contested and 3.3 were clearances, as he followed up his initial acts and showcased sound fundamental skills. Smith played within his limits to take the ball cleanly and quickly dish off to running players, as shown by his handball-to-kick percentage of nearly 75 per cent in Allies colours.
While relatively mobile for his size, Smith can look to enhance some of his athletic traits. His speed and endurance are areas for improvement, with the latter a factor which could see him impact more around the ground, or away from the contest. Doing so will enable the bigman to stay involved in the game and have a greater marking presence, especially up forward where he could develop his scoreboard impact.
