Essendon VFL player Oskar Smartt signs with Colac

A player who was firmly in mid-season draft calculations this year has been snapped up by a GFNL club.

Oskar Smartt (right) has signed with Colac. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Blair Jackson

Essendon VFL player Oskar Smartt has signed with Colac for the 2025 season as the Tigers look to return to finals under new playing co-coach Seb Ross.

Smartt, 19, is the nephew of Colac premiership player Kane who played four senior games this season.

The 180 centimetre forward-midfielder will have his sights set on becoming a senior regular at Essendon VFL but should give the Tigers’ forward-half a boost at some stage in 2025.

“The Colac Tigers would like welcome Oskar Smartt, Stacey, Brendan & family to our club,” the club said on social media.

“We’re stoked to have Oskar join us alongside his uncle and current premiership Tiger Kane.

“We wish Oskar all the best in his endeavours at Essendon VFL and look forward to you all being a part of the Colac Tigers family.”

Smartt burst onto the mid-season draft scene this year after booting four goals against Footscray at Marvel Stadium in round three.

The Leitchville-Gunbower product impressed during the Young Guns showcase games and was among 24 draft hopefuls who underwent club medicals before the mid-season intake.

He kicked 12 goals from 12 games and played another six matches under former Collingwood premiership star Mick McGuane at Keilor where he slotted 10 majors.

Colac pulled off one of the biggest signings of the Geelong league off-season in October when they secured dual St Kilda best-and-fairest winner Ross.

However, they have lost Bailey Scott — who played alongside Smartt at Essendon VFL this season — who has joined Colac Imperials as their senior coach.

Originally published as Essendon VFL player Oskar Smartt signs with Colac