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Isaac Smith has opened up on his late grandfather, who he dedicated his Norm Smith Medal win to in Saturday’s premiership win for Geelong.
Smith, 33, became the oldest player to win the award – given to the player judged best afield in the decider – and the Cats veteran paid a beautiful tribute to his late “hero”, his pop, after accepting his medal, kissing his black armband and pointing to the heavens.
He explained the story behind it in the post-match press conference.
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“My pop, who I was very close to and had a lot to do with the person I am today, my Dad’s father, passed away last Wednesday night,” he said.
“It hit me last week probably and that’s why I probably didn’t get a touch for the first half of last week’s prelim.
“I made a mad dash to Albury and spent 24 hours with him, I’ll be forever grateful he was still mentally there. We had a great 24 hours together.
“Although it was very upsetting, it’s been a beautiful time for our family.”
Smith on Saturday added a fourth premiership medallion to his cabinet and his first as a Geelong player, coming across from Hawthorn at the end of 2020.
He finished with three goals, 32 disposals, 12 score involvements and a whopping 771 metres gained – 184 more than the next best player on the ground.
No Sydney player received a vote in the Norm Smith Medal count, with Smith winning the award on 14 votes – four clear of teammate Patrick Dangerfield.
Smith has played superb football on the wing since arriving at the Cats and was awarded the medal – with four of the five panellists deeming him best on ground.
“I’m still in a little bit of shock,” Smith said after accepting the medal from Nathan Buckley.
“It was a phenomenal performance.
“I’d like to give a shout out to my family and my beautiful wife Candice and my hero growing up – Pop, I love you!”
Carlton’s Greg Williams was the previous oldest winner of the Norm Smith, collecting his at the age of 31.
The Norm Smith Medal voting panel for 2022 was comprised of Andrew McLeod, Jonathan Brown, Abbey Holmes, Michael Gleeson and David Mundy.
Smith kicked three goals and had 25 disposals in Hawthorn’s 2015 premiership win, but received only one vote.
This was Smith’s 258th AFL game since being taken by the Hawks with pick No. 19 in the 2010 draft.
It was Smith’s fifth grand final appearance and he is now 4-1 in deciders.
Playing in successful sides for virtually his entire career, Saturday marked Smith’s 27th final.
THE 2022 NORM SMITH VOTES
Andrew McLeod (Chair)
3. Isaac Smith (Geelong)
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
1. Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
Jonathan Brown
3. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
2. Isaac Smith (Geelong)
1. Tyson Stengle (Gelong)
Michael Gleeson
3. Isaac Smith (Geelong)
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
1. Sam De Koning (Geelong)
Abbey Holmes
3. Isaac Smith (Geelong)
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
1. Tyson Stengle (Gelong)
David Mundy
3. Isaac Smith (Geelong)
2. Tyson Stengle (Geelong)
1. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
NORM SMITH MEDAL FINAL TALLY
14 — Isaac Smith (Geelong): 3, 3, 3, 3, 2
10 — Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong): 3, 2, 2, 2, 1
4 — Tyson Stengle (Geelong): 2, 1, 1
1 — Sam de Koning (Geelong): 1
1 — Mark Blicavs (Geelong): 1
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