Although his actual coaching career was short-lived due to struggles with ill health, his emphasis on speed, constructive handpassing and play on had particular influence on Ron Barassi and Tom Hafey.
Smith would wow the crowds with his spectacular high marks at centre half forward.
Smith left Northcote and the VFA for Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1934.
Due to service during World War II with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), he missed the 1944 season altogether but returned for a final year in 1945.
He suffered a heart attack in 1964 and further health concerns saw him relinquish the coaching reins at the Tigers early in 1965.