Awarded NT Thunder’s Most Courageous Player award and finished third in the Club’s Ilett Medal in 2018, Sam Smith has yet again had an impressive season with Thunder after playing 17 games for the club. This wasn’t the first time his consistent efforts have been recognised, in his first NEAFL season in 2017 Smith was named Most Improved and joint Ilett Medal runner-up. The athletic utility plays as a defender/back-up ruckman for Southern Districts in the NTFL and is known for his ability to play in most key positions. Off the back of Southern Districts’ premiership in 2017/18, Smith finished third in the league’s Nichols Medal award, but unfortunately, an ACL injury in late 2018 during the NTFL will keep him sidelined for the 2019 NEAFL season.