It was very clear on twitter today just how much Nick Smith means to Sydney Swans fans and the wider AFL community with plenty of tweets going his way.
A much loved figure on and off the field, these tweets capture how appreciative fans were of his contribution to our football club.
What a star Smooch has been. The ultimate professional and role model. Forever humble and a brilliant friend, he deserves all the accolades that come his way @sydneyswans @AFL @AFLPlayers https://t.co/eMWKXUraxj
— JÜM LAMONT (@jumlamont) August 14, 2019
Small forwards in the league rejoice, no more all expenses paid trips to Nick Smith Island.
— Waldock (@petewaldock) August 14, 2019
And every small forward breathed a sigh of relief. Seriously though, one of the best small defenders in the game. And a personal favourite https://t.co/7LDBwVC6xz
— The Red Baron (@MichaelForster0) August 14, 2019
One of the decade's most underrated players. Congrats Nick Smith on an excellent career. https://t.co/IVMnetFJk7
— Mike Wise (@wisey_9) August 14, 2019
Thanks Nick! Classy on-field, and class act off-field. ⚪️
— Luke Dalton (@Mr_LDalton) August 14, 2019
The best lock down defender of the modern era ❤️ https://t.co/TqiFFcjT3G
— Liam Clarke (@Clarkeyy23) August 14, 2019
Hugely underrated outside the four walls of the club. Took the best small forward every week and gave them a bath more often than not. https://t.co/5a4syA73no
— David Moore (@morteinmooie) August 14, 2019
After 211 games, 2012 @sydneyswans premiership defender Nick Smith has retired. pic.twitter.com/Vyl48WVTma
— AFL (@AFL) August 14, 2019
Think about the players Nick Smith regularly took on in a spot you get burnt often... Betts, Rioli, Lecras, Stevie J, Milne... rarely beaten at his best. Not many better small defenders, his magnet would never have moved from the whiteboard. https://t.co/nQS6J5AXNM
— Adam Curley (@AdamCurleyMedia) August 14, 2019
I'm gonna cry. https://t.co/aWxfvWNE7R
— Gemma (@glbastiani) August 14, 2019
This sums up Nick Smith I reckon. Undersized, underestimated by his opponent, but he keeps at him and ultimately shuts him down pic.twitter.com/bUpBeMowv4
— Kris Read (@DesignedToFade) August 14, 2019
Nick Smith calls time on a stellar career with @sydneyswans 2012 All Australian 2014. Consistently beat the very best. Quality person. Congratulations Nick @telegraph_sport pic.twitter.com/7cYxuWNHfq
— Phil Hillyard (@philthy295) August 14, 2019
End of an era. Played Smooch!!! Simply would not have won the 2012 flag without your efforts on Cyril that day. Out and out champion small defender and a tremendous human being. “Nick Smith calls time”https://t.co/bDksRRs6us
— Adam Spencer (@adambspencer) August 14, 2019
Nick Smith's battles with Cyril were epic. McVeigh, Grundy, Smith - how hard were they to score against - all now retired. End of an era.
— peter ryan (@petryan) August 14, 2019
Look up underrated in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of Nick Smith. An absolute star that personifies the @sydneyswans culture. Rarely beaten, always willing to play his role. Future legend of the club. Well done Nick. #proudlysydney
— Craig D (@swansational) August 14, 2019
Thanks Smooch! Nick Smith will be very missed. Loved everything about his contribution. One of my favourites. #proudlysydney
— Damien E (@dexswans) August 14, 2019
There have been some big names play for @sydneyswans in recent times but I’d argue Nick Smith was as integral to club’s success as any of them. Would be able to count on one hand number of games he was beaten. #gotthejobdone
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) August 14, 2019
Well done on a great career & all the best, Nick. https://t.co/OuQa96cMO2
— QBE Australia (@QBEaus) August 14, 2019
Genuinely one of my favourite all time players. So underrated and unassuming, never played the flashy role or got the best stats, but always got tasked with locking down on the opposition’s best small forward and played his role impeccably. https://t.co/VHcvx8Ut4M
— Jack Alfonso (@jackalfonso98) August 14, 2019
Sad to hear that Nick "Smooch" Smith is retiring. The story behind his nickname is underwhelming (just like his rig) but he was one the best players to play alongside!
— Ted Richards (@tedrichards25) August 14, 2019
And a great leader that's ensured the bloods culture will be passed onto the next generation.
Well done Smooch! https://t.co/6P5zqn82ka
Quite possibly one of the most criminally underrated players in recent AFL memory. Barely got beaten, locked down small forwards to no fanfare, just did his job. Well played Nick Smith https://t.co/ujZbgeuyZZ
— Nick Boylan (@NickJBoylan) August 14, 2019
Well played Smooch - you have been terrific and contributed significantly to the @sydneyswans and the @AFL! Thank you #ProudlySydney https://t.co/JxBndC1A46
— Vivek Bhatia (@vb_1001) August 14, 2019
Congratulations Nick Smith on an amazing AFL career with the @sydneyswans. One of the good guys of footy and a wonderful ambassador for the AFL community across Sydney and New South Wales, particularly for our @aflnswact Inclusion and Diversity programs. Well played Nick. pic.twitter.com/Dx7LJr8iFB
— Belinda Kelso (@BelindaKelso) August 14, 2019
Ultimate clubman & blood brother - did what was required for the betterment of the team, sacrificed his own game to do what he had to do - one of the few to go head to head with Cyril & Eddie and come out on top Congrats on a great career⚪️⚪️ #ProudlySydney https://t.co/SLdfmwF5Qu
— Greg Horton (@lesswan29) August 14, 2019
My heart hurts. I wish your body was better to you. Thanks for touching up those small forwards over the years. You will be so so missed, Smooch. Without a doubt one of the best small defenders we’ve seen in the red & white. @sydneyswans #WellPlayedSmooch https://t.co/Mdp0TVU3sO
— Maddy James-Hayward (@Maddy_Jessica) August 14, 2019
Absolutely devastated by this. The best back pocket in the league and a hole we have not come close to filling. A Premiership hero and always a Legend of our great club. Best of luck for the future Smooch.
— Brendan Rhodes (@JontytheJet) August 14, 2019
Nick Smith calls time - https://t.co/9OT4GFjBlJ https://t.co/LR4tJDByLl
