AFL draft: How Giants Academy prospect Logan Smith nearly decided on basketball over Australian rules football

Logan Smith is considered one of the top two ruck prospects in this week’s draft, but he very nearly gave the game away. He speaks about knuckling down on a quest to play in the AFL.

Giants Academy product Logan Smith was almost lost to footy several years ago as the Canberra teen prepares for a nervous wait during this week’s AFL draft.

Smith was juggling basketball and Australian rules for the majority of his teenage years before he finally made a decision while he was in year 10. Tipped as one of the top two ruckmen in this year’s draft class, it’s remarkable to consider a reality where that almost didn’t happen.

“I was playing quite a bit of basketball growing up, that and AFL,” Smith said. “And I was kind of leaning towards more basketball and quitting AFL.

“But then I ended up quitting basketball around the start of year 10 and since then it’s been AFL.

“(The Giants Academy) turned my career around. I only got selected for it last year and it’s helped me to stay humble and work hard. It’s not as strong a team in the Coates Talent League, so the focus is on working hard.

“That’s probably what has determined where I am now. I’ve been talking with (Giants Academy head coach) Tadhg Kennelly and he’s given me a few tips to not think too much (about the draft) and go with the mindset of working hard and making your way to the top.

“It’s all pretty nerve-racking and a bit overwhelming. But he said just don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy it. So that’s helped me.”

The 18-year-old is one of the most physically impressive players in this year’s draft, with a height of 204cm and a remarkable reach of 273cm. But it’s his work around the contest that has caught the eye, particularly while playing at senior level in 2024.

After being named in the under-18 national championship All-Australian team for his work with the Allies, Smith has gone on to play seven matches with the Giants at the VFL level, while also winning an AFL Canberra First Grade premiership with Queanbeyan.

A standout under-18 national championships for the Allies was just the start for Smith in 2024. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s been so exciting the different experiences I had,” Smith said. “Winning that first-grade premiership around all those men and blokes, it was the best feeling ever when that final siren went, and that was the first grand final I’ve ever won.

“I’ve had a few solid performances in the VFL. And I think that’s given me a bit of self-confidence and belief that I actually can stand up for myself on whatever team I’m with and perform against older men and better players.

“It’s my ability around the ground and how I make an impact after stoppages and centre bounces. I want to make an actual impact around the ground and help out the mids, forwards and backs.”

Smith is more than likely headed to the Giants. He won the club’s Academy player of the year this season and with some gaps in their ruck stocks, would be a handy addition to Adam Kingsley’s side beneath Kieren Briggs and fellow youngster, Nic Madden.

He has had conversations with other clubs, but there is confidence around the competition that GWS would match a bid for him as long as it comes late in the second round or after.

And while the teenager knows nothing is guaranteed, he can’t help but get excited at the prospect of linking up with the Giants.

Smith’s (R) impressive tap work, matched with his contested ability around the ground make him an eye-catching ruck product in the draft. Picture: Supplied

“There’s a few rucks like Rowan Marshall and Tim English, those agile and versatile rucks, that I’m trying to model my game off,” Smith said. “And I think that will help me going into whatever club I may go to.

“I don’t know (for certain). It’s the same with all the clubs I’ve spoken to, no one really gives much. But I do think I am sitting in a good position to be picked up by the Giants, just from how my year has gone.

“Especially with the ruck coaching, they’ve got Mummy (Shane Mumford) and he’d be really beneficial for me. Even though he’s a bit more of a different ruck from what I am, I would say he’d definitely give me a few pointers and turn me into a good ruck.

“I’ll just be watching (the draft) from home. Have some family around and put it on the TV, nothing too special and I don’t want it too hectic. But it should be a good night.”

Originally published as AFL draft: How Giants Academy prospect Logan Smith nearly decided on basketball over Australian rules football