Carlton unleashed young star Jagga Smith for the first time on Wednesday night and while expectations were high, nobody would have predicted this.
The 20-year-old midfielder picked up 37 disposals, kicked a goal, had five clearances and added a goal assist in the win over Geelong.
While the result is irrelevant, Smith’s class with ball in hand coupled with his run and dash was immediately eye-catching.
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The Blues took the Victorian with the third pick in the 2024 draft and he looked set to have an immediate impact. However, his 2025 was over before it began, tearing his ACL in his first pre-season.
The silver lining of that injury was a full year to build up his slight frame for the rigours of AFL football and ease himself into the top-level systems.
Jagga Smith celebrates a goal with Ashton Moir and Harry McKay. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Whatever the plan was, it seems to have worked. Smith was a class above in the Carlton midfield and paired brilliantly alongside Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and George Hewett.
His effectiveness by foot stood out in a Blues midfield that has struggled to hit targets generally.
And the youngster got better as the game went on, finishing with 13 disposals in the fourth term alone.
Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon believes Smith is a perfect fit in this Carlton team.
“He just sounds like your typical football fanatic kid that all he ever wanted to do was play footy,” Lyon told SEN.
“He had to bide his time for a year with the rehab from an ACL, and he comes out and plays this well. Last night, he couldn’t have been more impressive, Jagga Smith.
“For all the criticisms I’ve had of Carlton and others over the last couple of years, I called them the ‘Lygon Street Butchers’… he is everything they need.
Jagga Smith of the Blues. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“His ball use was just precise and at times exquisite. He’s got time, he’s got space, he’s creative, he was the perfect antidote to what has been an issue for Carlton in recent times.”
Speaking during the game, Fox Footy’s David King was incredibly impressed with the young midfielder.
“He’s just got fast feet, he’s in and out of traffic straight away. He makes good, quick decisions and sees the game really well,” King said.
“This is a kid they’ve been waiting to show the Carlton faithful what he can do. His ball use is the one thing has set him apart from the rest of his midfielders, he’s prepared to bite off the risky kick.”
Speaking after the game, Smith said the 12 months on the sideline were difficult for him to handle.
“I’m loving being out here,” Smith told Fox Footy.
Jagga Smith in action. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“I’m a footy lover, so I really missed it. It’s great to be back out there, I’m rapt.
“When you have a long time off, it’s really tough and you really miss the game… it’s been a long journey, but it’s full credit to the rehab staff who got me back to this position.”
Smith is the runaway betting favourite to win this year’s Rising Star award, ahead of the entire 2025 draft cohort.
He is a certainty to make his debut next Thursday when Carlton takes on Sydney at the SCG.
Carlton traded small forward Matt Owies and pick 14 as part of the trade to acquire pick three in the 2024 draft and select Smith.
He was Carlton’s highest draft selection since Paddy Dow in 2017. Father-son defender Harry Dean equalled that, joining the club with pick three a year later.