Nigel Smart still feeling the effects of 1998 grand final triumph with neck issues 20 years later
NIGEL Smart is still paying for Adelaide’s 1998 grand final triumph with persistent neck issues resulting from a hit by North Melbourne’s David King.
- Crows back-to-back: Part 1
- Crows back-to-back: Part 2
- Pyke axes mind games but backs Tex
- Crows and Power players in under-22 squad
- Time to rethink leaders: Tredrea
NIGEL Smart is still paying for Adelaide’s 1998 grand final triumph with persistent neck issues from a hit by North Melbourne’s David King.
Twenty years after the Crows went back-to-back at the MCG, Smart who is now the club’s chief operating officer, is reminded daily of the historic victory.
Just before half-time of the grand final Smart - who started in defence - took possession of the ball and was met front-on and high by a King bump with his head over the ball.
“He hit my head flush and it didn’t look overly bad on the tape but I suffer neck issues today from that, that’s ongoing,” Smart said.
“The vertebrae crunched a little bit and it’s all fine, but it’s a memory. Thanks Kingy.
“I thought I felt okay but obviously I wasn’t.
“In those days with doctors and concussion it was taken seriously but the protocols weren’t as tested as they are today.”
Smart got up and took his free kick but kicked the ball out of bounds on the full, then a follow-up hit from Martin Pike sent him to the bench.
“Unlike today when the players run off whenever they feel like it, when we played you never wanted to go off and if you did get dragged it was seen as something was either wrong with you or you weren’t playing that well,” he said.
“I had a little spell on the bench but it was probably the right call.
“Memories of that game - I remember bits and pieces but after halftime there are a few bits and bobs that come and go.”
Smart has recalled the moment to mark the 20th anniversary of Adelaide winning back-to-back AFL premierships which is captured in the second of a two-part feature series on Advertiser.com.au
Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >