Noel Smith (footballer)

Noel Smith (27 November 1918 – 4 September 2008) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[1]

Noel Smith
Personal information
Full name Noel Smith
Date of birth (1918-11-27)27 November 1918
Date of death 4 September 2008(2008-09-04) (aged 89)
Original team(s) West Moreland Amateurs
Height 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 78 kg (172 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1938, 1943–1945 Essendon 38 (50)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1945.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Smith started his career as a full-back but was unable to establish a place for himself in the Essendon side. He performed well in the league seconds, winning a Gardiner Medal in 1939. He didn't make any senior appearances that year and from 1940 to 1942 also wouldn't play a senior game for Essendon, although he did spend some of that time with Brunswick.

His second stint at Essendon, as a forward, was more successful. He played all 20 games for Essendon in the 1944 VFL season, including two finals.[2] His season tally of 40 goals was bettered by only one teammate, Ray Powell, by a mere three goals.[2]

He appeared for Brunswick again from 1946 until 1949 and also played some football in Queensland with Sandgate.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers. BAS Publishing. ISBN 978-1-920910-78-5.
  2. ^ a b "AFL Tables: Noel Smith". afltables.com.
  3. ^ "Smith, Noel". Essendon Football Club official website.