It was to be his only match that year but returned in 1937 to become a regular member of the South Melbourne side for the rest of the 1930s.
This was brought into the open on 13 July 1945 when the South Melbourne committee suspended Smith and South Melbourne captain Herbie Matthews for disciplinary reasons after they refused to play in the Round 12 match against St Kilda because of the positions they had been selected in.
[5] Smith and Matthews were suspended indefinitely but after a meeting with officials, returned to the side after missing only one match.
[6] Smith was selected on a half forward flank for the 1945 VFL Grand Final against Carlton.
[9] Smith retired following the end of the 1945 season and moved to Dimboola to play out his career.