Success in sights

He may only be a teenager, but Ely Smith has his dreams of playing AFL professionally firmly in sight.

AFL footballer Ely Smith, 15, has been nominated for Junior Sports Star award. Pictures: Peter Kelly

He may only be a teenager, but Ely Smith has his dreams of playing AFL professionally firmly in sight.

Ely began AusKick at five and has excelled in the sport since.

Talent on the footy field runs through his blood — his father Kane and uncle Joel both played professionally.

Ely has been playing AFL since he was five.

The 15-year-old midfielder has already notched up serious experience, including selection to both the NSW Combined High School Sports Association’s Merit Team and the NSW All Schools State Team last year.

However, he was knocked out before he could get a chance to put his skills to the test at the nationals in Geelong.

Ely’s concussion during the first few minutes of the game left him out of action for about three months but it has not deterred him from giving every game his all.

Ely, who has been part of the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy since the U13s, was selected for the U16 squad this year, putting him on track to reach his goal of being drafted by the Giants.

The academy’s head coach Jason Saddington said Ely was athletic and agile on the field.

“He’s battled some injuries earlier in the year but he has worked through that very professionally,” Saddington said.

Ely, a Year 10 student at Castle Hill High School, said he enjoyed the competitive side of AFL.

Saddington agreed and said Ely was a “very competitive kid, which holds him in a good stead”.

“His attack on the ball and his strength is second to none,” Saddington said.

The Junior Sports Star competition is proudly sponsored by Rebel.

To nominate someone you know in the Junior Sports Star competition, visit juniorsportsstar.com.au.