Brooke Smith (born 21 February 2004) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW). A utility capable of playing across multiple positions, she was signed by Adelaide as an injury-replacement player in 2023 after impressing at state-league level with the Dandenong Stingrays and Casey Demons.
Smith grew up in Victoria and played her junior football locally before joining the Dandenong Stingrays in the Talent League Girls. She developed a reputation as a versatile player, spending time as a medium forward, in the midfield, and across half-back. Her athletic background included basketball and athletics, which contributed to her leap and endurance on the football field.[1]
Smith's final junior season was interrupted by injury, but she returned to perform strongly in the VFLW with the Casey Demons. She was named Most Valuable Player in the VFLW Under-23 All Stars match against the AFLW Academy at Docklands Stadium, catching the attention of AFLW recruiters.[2]
AFLW career
Smith joined Adelaide as an injury-replacement player ahead of the 2023 AFLW season, filling a vacancy created by a long-term injury to a senior player.[3] She made her debut in round 10, 2023 against the West Coast Eagles, playing primarily across half-back.
In 2024, Smith was elevated to Adelaide's primary list and appeared in two matches early in the season. She played as a utility, rotating between the forward line and defensive 50. Her season was cut short after she suffered a fractured collarbone, ruling her out of the remainder of the year.[4][5]
SANFLW and state-league experience
Although Victorian-born, Smith gained exposure to South Australian football through the SANFLW mini-draft, which allocates AFLW-listed players to SANFLW clubs for additional match time. In the 2024 mini-draft, she was taken with the first pick by West Adelaide, a club competing in the SANFL Women's League.[6][7] Her SANFLW appearances provided her with opportunities to work on match fitness, positional versatility, and match awareness in between AFLW commitments. Coaches noted her ability to transition between defensive and attacking roles within a single match.
Playing style
Smith is described as a reliable utility with strong marking ability for her size, a penetrating kick, and the versatility to adapt to multiple positions. She is comfortable playing as a link-up forward, an intercepting defender, or a running wing option. Her coaches have praised her adaptability, decision-making, and game awareness.[1]
Personal life
Outside of football, Smith has balanced her sporting commitments with part-time work and study. She has spoken about her interest in coaching and development roles within women's football after her playing career.
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