The star Shepparton United product had her dreams come true on Tuesday night when the Western Bulldogs selected her with the 25th pick in the AFLW Draft.
Smith, 17, becomes the latest talent from the Goulburn Valley to land in the AFLW, following in the footsteps of Grace Egan and Millie Brown.
It caps a sublime breakout year for the Murray Bushranger, who won the club's best-and-fairest and was named on the wing in the AFLW Under-19 Championships All-Australian side.
Nerves ran high during the coverage — for not only Smith, but her supporters — as the youngster's name eluded the first round of the draft.
But the restlessness suddenly turned into euphoria as the Bulldogs called out the speedster with their second round selection.
Shepparton United's youth girls coach Dean Walton was one of the first to ring Smith and start the celebrations.
“There was a lot of relief, but you could also sense her pride and you could see her elation,” Walton said.
“There were tears, I'm just really happy for her.
“It is just so well deserved; she has worked so hard, not only this year, but all of last year as well.
“And all of that hard work has now paid off and it's a credit to her.”
After Walton congratulated his star pupil, Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke was next to buzz Smith's mobile.
The club shared the interaction between Smith and her newest mentor via its social media.
Burke said the club was thrilled and surprised to see the skilled winger had yet been selected.
Walton said he couldn't wait to be boundary side and cheer on Smith in the red, white and blue.
“I've already emailed the club asking when memberships come on sale for next season,” he said.
“I can't wait to head down and watch her run out for the Doggies, I know there will be a very large contingent of Shepparton United supporters too.”
Although Smith will soon trade out the youth girls competition for the bright lights of the AFLW, she still has unfinished business for her home club.
Shepparton United is currently placed on top of the ladder and in a commanding position with finals fast approaching.
“We have got four to six weeks left of our season and we are really looking forward to finishing off the year,” Walton said.
“We plan to make it as fun as possible for Smithy and we can't wait to celebrate her achievement.”
Smith was not the only product from the region to be selected in the draft.
Echuca's Annabel Johnson headed to Geelong with pick 15.
The athletic midfielder took up football less than a year ago and joined the Cats’ VFLW side prior to this season.
With a sporting background in netball and soccer, Johnson played 14 VFLW games for Geelong this season.
Meanwhile, Geelong revealed a further list update to its AFLW list.
The club announced Brown would take a break from football for the 2021-2022 season.
The Mooroopna product has been placed on the Cats’ inactive list.
More local sport
Cobram fails in bid to join Cricket Shepparton
Mixed bag for community sport as lockdown restrictions ease
Thunderbirds are go: Elle McDonald living her dream in the pink dress
17°C