The Chronicle

EAGLE CONFIDENT HE CAN FLY HIGH

Toowoomba product sets sights on senior football

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AFL: A confident but humble Josh Smith has made his West Coast Eagles intentions clear.

After an injury plagued 2018 season with Collingwoo­d, the Toowoomba product wants to play senior football again.

Speaking at media conference for the first time as an Eagles player last week, Smith acknowledg­ed the path ahead of him would be challengin­g.

“It’s going to be a hard team to crack into,” Smith said.

“I’ll be trying to play senior footy and put pressure on the guys who are in the senior side.

“I wouldn’t have taken the opportunit­y if I didn’t think I could play senior footy.

“I’ve played 30-odd games at Collingwoo­d – I feel like I’ve got a fair bit to go.

“I was playing round one at the start of last year in a side that made the grand final, so I certainly haven’t lost any selfbelief but I know it’s going to be pretty hard.”

Playing the majority of his games on the wing for the Magpies, Smith hopes to be deployed in a similar role for the Eagles.

“I played a lot of wing in my first year,” he said.

“I think I've been brought here for my running capabiliti­es and outside game.”

Smith is also hoping to share some his experience with younger players.

‘‘ IT’S GOING TO BE A HARD TEAM TO CRACK INTO. I’LL BE TRYING TO PLAY SENIOR FOOTY AND PUT PRESSURE ON THE GUYS WHO ARE IN THE SENIOR SIDE. I WOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNIT­Y IF I DIDN’T THINK I COULD PLAY SENIOR FOOTY.

JOSH SMITH

“Being at another club and being a bit older ... I guess the ability to pass on some of my knowledge and experience to some of the younger guys is something I’m keen to do,” he said.

“And with the new WAFL side coming in I can help facilitate that while still trying to play senior footy.”

 ?? Photo: JULIAN SMITH ?? CONFIDENT WING: New West Coast Eagles signing Josh Smith is confident he can play senior football for the 2018 AFL premiers.
Photo: JULIAN SMITH CONFIDENT WING: New West Coast Eagles signing Josh Smith is confident he can play senior football for the 2018 AFL premiers.

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