Five years ago, Taylor Smith wasn’t even playing football.
This Sunday against GWS, the former heptathlete will play her 25th AFLW game.
When Smith landed at the Lions through a trade with the Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2021 NAB AFLW Season, the tall forward had no idea the career that lay ahead for her at the Den.
“Playing one game [at the Lions] would’ve been a dream,” Smith said.
“Having left a Club that I only played one game for, coming [to the Lions] I didn’t expect to play any games, in my first year especially.
“So, to come here and develop so much over one pre-season, and then to play every game that year and win a Premiership, it really showed me that I have what it takes to play at this level.”
Missing just one game since her debut in Round 1, 2021, Smith has quickly racked up 25 AFLW game, and next weekend will play her 25th Brisbane Lions’ Club game.
Over the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has emerged as a formidable force in the Lions’ forward line-up, taking her game from strength to strength over the past two seasons.
An impressive debut season that culminated in an AFLW Premiership was followed by an even stronger 2022 season that saw Smith boot a career-best seven goals across 11 games, all while facing some of life’s hardest moments, including the loss of her Dad in late 2022.
Reflecting on her journey over the past two seasons, Smith credits her success to those around her.
“Craig has definitely played a massive role in my development since I arrived at the Club,” Smith said.
“For him and Bree especially even just to give me the opportunity to come here first of all, but also giving me the confidence to know that I’m in an environment that is completely supportive.
“There is no-one here that isn’t supportive. Every single person, every single teammate, every single Coach has contributed in some way to my development and to getting me to 25 games.”
However, there’s no denying the role Smith’s own drive and resilience has played in getting her to her first AFLW milestone game.
“After everything that I’ve gone through in the last year, to still be able to play pretty much every game through that time, and even though I struggle a little bit more now or just as much now, to be able to do that just proves how determined I am to be a good footballer and a good teammate,” Smith said.
“I think it shows my resilience and my determination.
“I’m proud of myself and I hope my Dad is proud of me too,” Smith said.
Taylor Smith will play her 25th AFLW game this Sunday in Round 2 against the GWS Giants at Manuka Oval at 3:10PM.
