Jonah Smith Follows in His Great Grandfather’s Legendary Footsteps

The Swans All Abilities team welcomed a special debutant this season — Jonah Smith, a passionate young footballer from the mining town of Tom Price, made the journey to Perth to wear black and white in two games this year. But Jonah isn’t just any footy-mad 24-year-old — he’s carrying on a proud family legacy that stretches all the way back to AFL royalty.

Jonah is the great-grandson of Geelong legend and AFL Hall of Famer Bernie Smith — the 1951 Brownlow Medalist, two-time Best and Fairest winner, and a key figure in Geelong’s premiership triumphs in 1951 and 1952. Bernie even captained the Cats in 1954, cementing his place as one of the all-time greats of the game.

Now, over 70 years later, his great-grandson is proudly following in his footsteps, not just through bloodline but through pure love for the game.

“Jonah never misses a footy game — if he can’t watch it live, he’s glued to the highlights on repeat,” say his parents, Jason and Audra Smith. “He can name every draft pick, every club. He just lives and breathes the game.”

Jonah pulled on the Swans guernsey for the first time against Curtin Uni Wesley and made another exciting appearance last week against Willetton. His presence on the field was more than just a game — it was a celebration of passion, family, and inclusion.

The connection between the Swans and Tom Price runs deep, with coaches and players running AFL development programs in the town. Jonah’s opportunity to join the side is a glowing example of how those pathways can lead to something truly special.

“He loved every minute of playing with the Swans,” Jason and Audra shared. “We’re already planning to bring him down more often next season so he can keep playing the game he loves.”

From the red dirt of the Pilbara to the proud traditions of the Swans, Jonah Smith is more than just a player — he’s a bridge between generations, a symbol of inclusion, and a testament to the enduring love of the game. And who knows? With Bernie’s blood in his veins and footy in his heart, this might just be the beginning of something great.