The agile high flyer spent most of the season biding his time in the VFL waiting for an opportunity to show his wares at the elite level.

He finally got his chance after Jayden Hunt rolled an ankle but his tenure at AFL level was short lived and he was back on the injury list with a hamstring injury just as the finals were getting under way.

Date of Birth: 25 February 1996
Height: 191cm
Weight: 88kg

Games MFC 2021: 3
Career Total: 21

Goals MFC 2021: 0
Career Total: 1

Games CDFC 2021: 4
Goals CDFC 2021: 0

Joel played a couple of important roles for us this year and won a contract renewal but will be very difficult for him to get back into this side. Good luck Joel work hard and stay fit.!!

I looked at Joel's playing record and found he has very rarely played a season without an injury.

He seems to play some matches and cannot put together at least 5 games in a row without an injury problem, I guess if this keeps up we will never know how good he could be, his best seasons 2018 2020 when he played 8 and 7 games respectively out of a career total of 21 games.

As I recall his first injury was a dislocated shoulder but haven’t the rest of his regular injuries recurring soft tissue - NB groin and hamstring?  If he cannot overcome these sadly he will be unable to become a regular, or reliable, contributor. 

It’s really hard to tell what the Joel Smith finished product might be. He has the attributes; massive closing speed, can jump, fierce competitor. I noticed his skills have also improved in the few games he played this year.

 I’m keen to see what he can produce with a proper preseason and some continuity. The hard question is who he could push out. Feels like he will be competing with hibbo and hunt for the one spot. Good luck to him, if he can hold those 2 out of the team he’ll be doing well.

I still feel his best chance is as a forward - we good depth in the back six 

I'd like to see him put in a good injury free pre season then get a run of games as a forward to see if he has what it takes 

Great athlete but needs games under his belt & learn some footy "smarts" ie don't overcommit & learn how to corral opponents.  Charlie Cameron really cleaned him up in that final.

Hope he has some luck injury wise next year.

 

Could be anything but has to find a way to stay on the park

On 11/1/2021 at 10:14 AM, Sydee said:

I still feel his best chance is as a forward - we good depth in the back six 

I'd like to see him put in a good injury free pre season then get a run of games as a forward to see if he has what it takes 

I know his best chance is as a FORWARD! 

Played a really good game against Adelaide. Better than what I thought he was capable of.

Played on Charlie Cameron who kicked 5, which doesn’t make for good reading. Clearly outclassed that night.

Handy back up if May, Lever or Petty miss a game down back. Or perhaps a replacement for Hibberd when he finishes?

Depth. Lucky to even be on the list considering his body is made out of paper.

Has never strung a full season at AFL/VFL level because of injury.

16 hours ago, picket fence said:

I know his best chance is as a FORWARD! 

This might be, picket, but I don't mind that he's learning some good defensive pressure traits in the backline. I've always seen him as a bit loose and happy to take a hanger, kick a goal. I thought this year he moved forward in the accountability department (and skills) which will put him in good stead going forward no matter where they play him.