Grandson of AFL legend Kevin Bartlett a Vic Country pick for national championships

He’s the grandson of Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett and was chosen as his school’s football captain, but Callum Smith is making his own strong decisions as he pursues an AFL career.

Callum Smith alongside his grandfather Kevin Bartlett.

It was a crucial kick for the Dandenong Stingrays.

But, seeing the ball in the hands of Callum Smith late in the last quarter, Rays coach Nick Cox was confident the set-shot would be made.

From just on 50m, right-footer Smith did just that, sending the Stingrays in front of the Tassie Devils at Shepley Oval last Saturday.

They won the Coates Talent League match by seven points.

“Good players kick those goals, mate,’’ Cox told Smith after the game.

He thinks the 189cm Smith is a “very good player’’.

Callum Smith with his grandfather, legendary Tiger Kevin Bartlett.

So do the Victorian selectors, who have named the grandson of AFL great Kevin Bartlett in the Vic Country team for this Saturday’s national Under 18 championship game against WA.

A few weeks ago Smith – who has adopted the No. 29 worn by Richmond champion Bartlett – took what one AFL recruiter termed the “pretty bold step’’ of pulling out of school football to concentrate on the Coates Talent League.

He was captain of the Caulfield Grammar team but believed his development as a player would be better served as a midfielder with the Stingrays rather than a last-line defender in the APS.

Similarly, at the end of last season he chose to make the switch from the Oakleigh Chargers, where he played two games as a bottom-ager, to the Stingrays.

Both decisions are paying off for the Victorian Under 16 representative.

He has been named in the best in four of his six matches for the Stingrays, averaging 22 disposals, 5.7 marks and 4.8 tackles.

Callum Smith sends the Stingrays forward. Pic: Blackboot Photography.

Smith said it was difficult to leave teammates at school and the Chargers but it was beneficial for his football.

“Everyone’s striving for the same goal, to get drafted, and to stay at Dandenong Stingrays and be there consistently and work with the coaches … that will help with my main goal,’’ he said.

“It was being quite selfish, to be honest. It’s my draft year and everything. I have to do what’s best for me. In saying that, removing myself from APS and change directions to Dandenong is best for my development and my overall character as a person. Everyone’s been really supportive, all my mates from school. Oakleigh were obviously a bit disappointed but they’re very encouraging of me and they want what’s best for me as well.’’

He said he was grateful the Stingrays had taken him in and for the coaching and “honest feedback’’ he had received from Cox and assistant Leigh Stewart as he makes the changes from defender to onballer.

“I’m working with them closely to refine my skills. I’m excited for the season to come and how I can improve,’’ Smith said.

“I want to play against the best of the best and show my competitiveness against everyone else.’’

Callum Smith takes a kick for Dandenong Stingrays. Pic: Blackboot Photography.

Cox said Smith, who lists Eastern league power Vermont as his home club, was adapting to every level he played.

“Since he’s been here he’s continued to get better at his craft,’’ he said.

“He’s not flashy, he doesn’t do things that stand out immensely, but at the same time he just accumulates and contributes to the team.

“He good on both sides with his hands and his feet and he makes good decisions.

“He’s got top-end speed and power, and hopefully he’ll show that a bit more on game-day. But he should be very proud of the improvement he’s showed from when he started with us to where he is now.’’

He said Smith was a humble and respectful young man who fitted in well at Shepley Oval.

Callum Smith with top Tiger Kamdyn McIntosh.

Bartlett watches all of his grandson’s matches and, like Cox, gives him “honest feedback’’.

“He’s at every game. He comes to a lot of training and drives me everywhere. He’s very supportive,’’ Smith said.

“He knows the game and he challenges me and tells me what I should be doing on and off the field. We can have honest conversations with each other.’’

He calls Bartlett “Poppy’’ and although he didn’t see his grandfather play, he’s seen the replays and read the write-ups, and holds him up as his favourite footballer.

Of today’s Tigers, Smith likes Kamdyn McIntosh, admiring his workrate and “the little things he does’’.

“I love all the other greats too, like Dusty (Martin),’’ he said.

“But Poppy is my favourite player of all time.’’

Originally published as Grandson of AFL legend Kevin Bartlett a Vic Country pick for national championships