PORT ADELAIDE premiership forward Rohan Smith has been elevated into the club’s Hall of Fame, recognising his many years of service and involvement in six premierships.
Smith’s induction came at the club’s Hall of Fame and Season Launch event at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night, the first time the event has been held since 2019.
A cult hero with supporters, Smith grew up around Alberton, working his way through the junior ranks before making his league debut in 1985.
In his 251 SANFL games, he booted an incredible 247 goals playing primarily on the half forward flank or wing.
Smith’s 12 seasons at the club saw him involved in premierships in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Injury meant he missed the 1990 Grand Final success and in 1991 he spent a season playing with AFL club St Kilda.
Describing the honour of his induction, Smith said it was a proud moment, thanking his family, coaches and teammates in particular for their support over his career.
He described almost feeling unworthy.
“I really feel like I live in the worst house in the best street really, Smith said in a humorous speech. “But I’ll be in this house forever and I’ve got the best bloody neighbours in the world.
“It’s the greatest honour from the greatest club in the greatest game.”
Smith’s former captain and good mate Tim Ginever announced his elevation.
Ginever said Smith was a highly skilled player but a great character and friend.
“Rohan and I competed as kids in both footy and cricket and the thing I noticed instantly about him was how natural a talent he was,” Ginever said.
“Rohan’s skill level was above most players – left and right, kicking goals from anywhere and always hitting targets.
“He’s never been about himself, about the fanfare. He just loved being the guy in the background who is having an enormous amount of fun, but it’s a staggering career he put together and he’s up where he deserves in the Port Adelaide Hall of Fame.”
Rohan Smith
Games: 251 (SANFL) 1985-1990, 1992-1997 (3 AFL games with St Kilda in 1991)
Goals: 247 (SANFL)
6x premiership player (1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996)
1995 Max Porter Memorial Trophy as most consistent