He made his debut in the opening round of the 2012 AFL season against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Prior to being drafted he grew up in the town of Lara, Victoria and attended Geelong Grammar School on a sporting scholarship.

He received a nomination for the 2012 AFL Rising Star after he collected 21 disposals, six tackles, five inside-50s and kicked two goals in a 34-point win against Port Adelaide.

[1] At the conclusion of the 2017 AFL season, Smith requested and was granted a trade to Essendon.

Smith only played eight games in the 2022 season, due to constant knee injuries.