Footy can be cruel sometimes, and Ely Smith is no exception to that rule.

After putting together a massive pre-season in 2021, Smith sustained two syndesmosis injuries that ruled him out of much of what many predicted as a ‘breakout year’.

The big-bodied midfielder was unable to play much of the VFL season and said the year was frustrating.

“Yeah it was a pretty frustrating year. I had a huge pre-season so I could come in pretty good shape and only managed a couple of games before the ankle injury,” Smith said.

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Catching Up With: Ely Smith

Ely Smith had a couple of ankle injuries last season that stopped him from playing majority of the year. He has come back ready to keep the body in good shape for a big season on the field.

“And to come good from that only to do another one was really frustrating, and I didn’t get to play many official games so I’m hopeful this year that can change for sure.”

The 21-year-old looks to be moving well in pre-season though, impressing in the contested drills with his powerful frame and acceleration out of the contest.

Speaking to Lions Media, Smith said that was a side of his game he wants to bring to the side.

“Using my body a bit more around the contest and use my power to get out of congestion is something I really want to work on.

“We don’t really have that at the moment so that’s definitely the focus.”