Archie Smith (footballer, born 1995)

Archibald Smith (born 19 July 1995) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL). Formerly a talented junior basketballer, he was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with their third selection and sixty-ninth overall in the 2014 rookie draft as an Academy selection.[1] He made his debut against Port Adelaide in round 19, 2016 in a near best-on-ground performance,[2] gathering 19 disposals and 30 hit outs at the Gabba.[3] Smith remains the only player in NEAFL history to win three premierships.

Archie Smith
Smith in April 2019
Personal information
Full name Archibald Smith
Nickname(s) Archie, Arch
Date of birth (1995-07-19) 19 July 1995
Place of birth Brisbane, Australia
Original team(s) Mount Gravatt (NEAFL)
Draft No. 69, Academy selection, 2014 rookie draft
Debut Round 19, 2016, Brisbane Lions
vs. Port Adelaide, at the Gabba
Height 202 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2014–2021 Brisbane Lions 16 (4)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of Round 18, 2020.
Career highlights

NEAFL Premiership player 2013
NEAFL Premiership player 2017
NEAFL Premiership Player 2019

Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

Smith is the son of former NBA and NBL basketballer Andre Moore. He played junior basketball at an elite level and was courted by multiple Division One colleges in the US[4] before being scouted by AFL recruiters at the age of 17. Despite having no prior Australian rules football experience, Smith drew interest from recruiters due to his supreme athleticism for his size.[5] He attended St Laurence's College in South Brisbane throughout his teenage years.[6]

Personal life

Smith is one of 6 children, with siblings Gemma, Sebastian, Isaac, Abib and Violet. In November 2020, Archie's brother, Sebastian tragically died by suicide at the age of 21. Before every game, Archie writes his brother's name on his wrist, to remind himself who he's playing for. As an ambassador for Lifeline Australia, Archie continues to advocate for suicide prevention in his brother’s memory.

Smith announced his retirement from the AFL at the end of the 2021 season citing a desire to prioritise mental well-being and family. He married his longtime partner Sophie in October 2021 and the couple is expecting their first child in May 2022.

References
  1. Boswell, Tom (28 November 2013). "Archie Smith has been rookie listed by AFL club Brisbane Lions and likened to Nic Naitanui". Courier Mail.
  2. "Player of the Round: Archie Smith". Brisbane Lions. 1 August 2016.
  3. Akers, Trenton (29 July 2016). "Brisbane youngsters Archie Smith and Sam Skinner will feel opposite emotions when the Lions play Port Adelaide". The Courier Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  4. "Son of a gun Archie Smith gives hoop dreams the drop punt - AFL.com.au". afl.com.au. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  5. "Archie Smith". Aussie Rules on Fire. 2017.
  6. "Brisbane Lions rising star Archie Smith says tasting AFL football in 2016 has him wanting more". Retrieved 8 December 2018.


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