Snell started his career in 1923 with East Perth and the following season finished second in the Sandover Medal.
He sought a clearance to join West Adelaide for the 1925 season but after East Perth refused he had to wait until 1927, playing amateur and junior competitions in the meantime.
A centreman, Snell was a member of a West Adelaide premiership side in his debut SANFL season in 1927.
In the height of the Great Depression Snell could earn up to A£10 per game and the same in wages playing in the Apple Isle.
Due to race meetings being held on Saturdays, Snell saw very little league football for many years.