AFL trades 2020: Every moment of Day 1 of the AFL's free agency period
It didn't take long for Hawk-turned-Cat Isaac Smith to turn recruiter for Geelong, the triple premiership star urging Giant Jeremy Cameron to join him in the hoops. It worked, the Cats have lodged the paperwork, now it's up to the Giants to decide if they will match the offer. RECAP DAY ONE OF FREE AGENCY
Former Hawthorn speedster Isaac Smith says he lost sleep weighing up his decision to join Geelong but is excited about the prospect of delivering the ball to Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins next year.
The Herald Sun on Friday revealed Smith, 31, had accepted a two-year deal at Geelong over a three-year contract at Melbourne.
SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP EVERY MOMENT OF DAY 1 OF AFL FREE AGENCY IN THE BLOG BELOW
Hawthorn will receive a third-round pick as free agency compensation for Smith’s departure.
It was the first big signature for the Cats as they look to trade-in North Melbourne classy playmaker Shaun Higgins and free agent Cameron in a massive boost to their premiership tilt for next year.
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Smith said it was hard leaving the Hawks where he won three premierships, but was ultimately ready for a fresh on-field challenge and new club setting.
The star wingman said his family was also ready to get back its “country roots” in Geelong.
“It has been a very difficult decision, incredibly hard and I’ve probably had a few sleepless nights over the last three or four nights to be honest,” Smith said.
“The heart was certainly leaning towards Hawthorn but in the end the head won and I’m up for a new challenge and a new journey and I’m very excited to be part of the Geelong Football Club.
“I look forward to challenging myself and contributing to a great organisation and hopefully, some success to come.”
Smith said he had been “blessed” to spend 10 years at the Hawks and confirmed that he only made the final decision with his wife on Thursday night.
WATCH: TRADE TV WITH ROBBO AND AL IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
The gun linebreaker also joked that he should be in Geelong fans’ good books after missing late game-winning shots in the 2016 qualifying final and in a regular season game the following year.
“I’ve already won them two games of footy so hopefully the fans are happy,” he said.
The Cats have lodged their free agency paperwork for Cameron in a bid to secure him for nothing. The GWS Giants are determined to match, forcing a trade.
Smith was adamant he had “plenty of petrol left” in his legs and said he was keen to join forces with Cameron in the forward half next year.
“He is obviously one of the best key forwards in the competition and there is a reason why they get paid big dollars because they’re important in the football team,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to play with two of the best who have ever played the game in ‘Roughy’ (Jarryd Roughead) and Lance Franklin.
“I’m moving down there hopefully to play with Jeremy and ‘Tomahawk’ (Tom Hawkins) is a great full forward as well, especially his record over the past few years.
“He is as good as they get.”
Smith could be only one of two left-footers in Geelong’s best side next year with veteran Harry Taylor the only left-footer in the Cats’ Grand Final side.
The jet midfielder said the two playing groups had shared an intense rivalry over the years but it was not a factor in his decision.
“We’ve had some massive games and to say I wasn’t a Geelong fan was probably a bit of an understatement,” he said.
“Certainly coming up against them, there was a real dislike between the playing groups and the clubs.
“But the other thing there was a lot of respect.”
Originally published as AFL trades 2020: Every moment of Day 1 of the AFL's free agency period