From two years on the Sydney Swans rookie list for two senior games, to premiership winning, All Australian defender, Nick Smith had a powerful message of resilience and perseverance for students from the Georges River network.

Speaking at the Leadership by the River conference on Tuesday, attended by the leadership teams from 28 schools from the area, Smith told the students about his pathway to the Swans, his early struggles overcoming homesickness and injury setbacks, to become one of the competition’s elite defenders.

It was a terrific insight for the students to learn from the Swans’ leadership group member and the veteran of 167 games.

Smith said he had a simple message for the students.

“Just stand up for what you believe in, which is something that I learned from Goodesy,” Smith said.

“It’s also important to be accountable for what you say and work hard as well.

“Sportspeople are often role models to younger kids, so if we can send out a good message about leadership, healthy eating, goal setting or anything like that, I think is very good for the kids.”

In a new initiative by the schools that comprise the Georges River network, high school leaders will guide and mentor primary school leadership teams to help them have a positive impact in their community.

To prepare students for future leadership success, 190 students got together for the Leadership by the River conference to enhance their understanding of leadership, commitment and the resilience required to be a good leader.

The program will run for the year, until all students reconvene for the second Leadership by the River conference.