Hec Smith was a brilliant, fearless rover, rated by some as the next best to Horrie Gorringe.
Like most small players he was never one to knuckle down. He adopted the attitude that the bigger they are the harder they fall.
Hec Smith began playing football at the age of 14 at Scotch College in Melbourne. He returned to his home town Hobart in 1919 and commenced his senior career began with Cananore in the TFL and he remained at the club until 1922 when he moved to Launceston.
While at Cananore he played as a wingman winning the club best first year player trophy and in the process became the youngest player to play senior football in the State up to that time. He also gained selection for two North versus South games that year.
Cananore - 1921 TFL and State premiers - Jack Gardiner is pictured sitting in the middle of the front row with the premiership cup. Also pictured sitting next to him fourth from the right is Horrie Gorringe. Sitting on the floor in front of Gorringe is Hec Smith and standing in the second row third from right is Fred Pringle. Jack Charlesworth is pictured fourth from left in the second row.
The 1921 Cananore premiership at North Hobart Oval on grand final day.
The 1922 Cananore TFL premiership side on North Hobart Oval prior to the grand final.Horrie Gorringe is fourth from the right. Also in the side are Jack Gardiner; first left, Fred Pringle; fourth from left, Jack Charlesworth; fifth from left and Hec Smith; second from right.
Hec Smith played at Launceston from 1923 to 1925, then moved to Longford from 1926 to 1928. He was captain coach in 1931 when the team made it to the minor premiership.
From 1932 to 1934 he captain coached City (Hobart) taking out the TFL and State premierships in 1932.
In his captaincy days, when tempers frayed, he would breast up to the biggest of his teams opponents to stand by his team mates and set things right one way or another. Of his ability there was never any doubt.
His representative career was full of highlights, including representing Tasmania at the 1924, 1927 and 1933 carnivals.
He also played 21 North versus South games and 18 for the North against the NWFU.
The Hec Smith Stand at North Hobart Oval is named in his honour.
Back to Top
