Smith was recruited from Geelong Football League (GFL) club Newtown & Chilwell and, while making his senior VFL debut in 1968, he spent most of his time at Geelong in the reserves, making just four senior appearances in his first two seasons.
West Perth recruited Smith in 1971 and, playing as a full-forward, he was their leading-goalkicker for three successive seasons.
He kicked 84 goals in 1973 to win the Bernie Naylor Medal but missed that year's WANFL Grand Final, which West Perth lost to Subiaco.
Smith died aged 63, on 31 January 2010, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
He was the father of prolific Subiaco forward Brad Smith.