Clem Smith back in red and black

Demon turned Blue Clem Smith is a Demon again after signing a two year deal with Perth, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2018.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two years at Carlton Football Club, where he played seven games, after being taken at pick 60 in the 2014 national draft.

Prior to being drafted, Smith played his colts football with Perth before going on to play 10 league games for the club as an 18-year-old in 2014.

Perth Football Operations Manager Tyson Beattie is excited about the signing and says Smith will bring physicality to the side.

“It’s really exciting to get Clem back cause he’s a guy that came through our system and played league football as an 18-year-old, got drafted, and he’s back after two years,” Beattie says.

“He’s pretty tenacious, he’s a great tackler, he’s physical, but his skill level is pretty high as well.

“He’s a pretty dynamic player who can play in the forward line or in defence.

“I think we would probably like to see what he can do in the forward line given he played the second half of the season at the Northern Blues in the forward line and played pretty well.”

Having met with Smith since his recent return to Perth, Beattie says his professionalism has noticeably improved after a two year stint in the AFL system.

“He’s obviously been through the professional experience now and knows what it takes to make that level and if he has aspirations to get to the AFL again, he’s going to have to bring that professionalism to the Perth Footy Club,” Beattie says.

“And I’ve got no doubt he can do that.

“In terms of his skill ability, his fitness would have increased from the last time he’s been here having been through two preseasons in the AFL.

“He looks pretty fit at the moment so we’re pretty excited about that.”

Beattie believes Smith is capable of putting his hand up for a second chance at AFL level.

“There is some interest from the West Coast Eagles to get rookie drafted this year,” Beattie said.

“If he doesn’t get picked up straight away, I think that clubs will have a close look at him over the next 12 months.

“He’s a player that was originally projected as a top 10 pick and he’s still only 20 so there’s plenty of time for him to get another chance.”

Away from football Smith is working as a mentor for young indigenous students at his alma mater, Wesley College.

Smith is currently living with his foster family in Thornlie who Beattie describes as a “wonderful support group.”

“The Christie family have been terrific helping him get adjusted back to life in Perth, and we look forward to seeing them at a game next year as well,” Beattie says.

The club is looking to consolidate its recent signing of Smith by targeting other one point players this off season.

Beattie says the club is in the middle of negotiations with other potential recruits.

“The priority will be, like Clem, other one point players that have left the AFL,” Beattie says. 

“So Tendai and Brant Colledge are heavy targets given the fact they are Perth boys who’ve come through the system.

“We want to get them back first and foremost.

“We’ve been negotiating with them and hoping to sign them in the weeks to come.”  

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Article image courtesy of Michael Dodge/Getty Images