Ely Smith Brisbane Lions AFL Club

A Local Football Pathway to the AFL System

Ely Smith’s football journey took him from Westbrook Junior AFL Club and the Pennant Hills Demons to the Murray Bushrangers and selection by the Brisbane Lions in the 2018 AFL Draft. His progression is another example of a player developing through local football before earning an opportunity in the professional game.

A strong, ball-winning midfielder, Ely impressed recruiters with his competitiveness around the contest and athletic ability. His selection with pick 21, Brisbane’s first choice in that draft, marked a significant achievement for a player who had come through the Northwest Sydney football community.

From Westbrook to the Pennant Hills Demons

Ely played 112 games for Westbrook before progressing to the Pennant Hills Under 19s, where he made 13 appearances. His time at the senior Club was relatively brief, but his ability to win the ball and contribute through the midfield left an impression. 

The Club’s 2018 Yearbook recognised his progress following the AFL Draft. In the Under 19 Division One Coach’s Report, Ely was remembered as a player who:

“Made an immediate impact as a solid ball winning midfielder”

The report celebrated the drafting of both Ely and Kieren Briggs as a proud moment for the Club’s player development program.

Continuing His Development with the Murray Bushrangers

In 2017, Ely relocated to continue his football with the Murray Bushrangers, competing in Victoria’s TAC Cup. The move provided another stage in his development after his junior football at Westbrook and Under 19 experience with Pennant Hills.

His performances for the Bushrangers and Vic Country at the 2018 Under 18 National Championships strengthened his draft prospects. He also impressed at the AFL Draft Combine, finishing first in the standing vertical jump with a result of 77 centimetres and performing strongly in other jumping and kicking tests. Brisbane’s recruiters identified a midfielder with the strength to compete at stoppages and the athletic qualities to develop further.

Pick 21 in the 2018 AFL Draft

Brisbane selected Ely with pick 21 in the 2018 National Draft, making him the Club’s first selection that year. The Lions had started the evening with pick 18, which moved back after other clubs matched Academy bids. The occasion came with an unexpected change of travel plans. Ely was overseas on holiday with his family and had to return home quickly to attend draft night. There, he received his first Brisbane guernsey from Lions champion Jonathan Brown—a memorable introduction to his new club.

A Promising First Season in Brisbane

Ely spent his first season at Brisbane developing in the Lions’ undefeated 2019 NEAFL team, where his strength around the ball made him a valuable contributor. Brisbane’s end-of-season review highlighted his ball-winning ability and progress during the year. A stress reaction in his foot interrupted his season and kept him out for six weeks. After returning, he produced some of his strongest performances, including 23 disposals, nine tackles and a goal against GWS in Round 20. Following that first season, Brisbane extended his contract through to the end of 2022. The Club praised his development as a footballer and professional athlete, as well as his contribution to its culture and environment.

Learning the Demands of Professional Football

Ely continued working to improve his fitness, football knowledge and versatility as he pursued a place in Brisbane’s senior team.

An AFL.com.au feature in 2021 documented the effort behind that development. He engaged a running coach, refined his preparation and improved from the bottom ten to the top five in the Club’s three-kilometre time trial. Brisbane’s development staff also recognised his growing professionalism and willingness to study match vision and learn the team’s structures. With established midfielders ahead of him, Ely broadened his game by learning to play on the wing as well as through the centre. He spoke positively about direct feedback from his coaches and the extra work required to improve his understanding of the game.

Injury Setbacks and His Time with the Lions

Injuries remained a significant challenge. After a strong 2021 pre-season, Ely suffered two syndesmosis ankle injuries, limiting his opportunities to play during the VFL season. In an interview with Lions Media, he described the frustration of recovering from one injury only to suffer another. He returned to contribute at VFL level in 2022, averaging just over 21 disposals per game, according to South Adelaide’s subsequent recruitment announcement. His ability to win clearances and distribute the ball remained a feature of his game. At the end of the 2022 season, Brisbane delisted Ely after four seasons on its list. He had represented the Lions in state-league football but had not made a senior AFL debut. In announcing the departures, Brisbane acknowledged the professionalism and diligence of the players leaving the Club.

A New Opportunity with South Adelaide

In October 2022, South Adelaide announced that Ely would join the Panthers for the 2023 SANFL season. The Club recruited him to add strength around the contest, clearance-winning ability and the capacity to push forward and contribute on the scoreboard. Speaking about the move, Ely emphasised the welcoming environment at South Adelaide and his desire to build relationships with his teammates, enjoy his football and complete an injury-free season.

He made his SANFL league debut against Central District on 1 April 2023. South Adelaide’s official player records credit him with eight league appearances that season. Ahead of the following season, SANFL’s 2024 South Adelaide profile listed Ely among the Club’s departures, recording that he had retired through injury.

Life After Football

Ely has since pursued a career in property buyer advocacy. A September 2026 episode of the Task Me Anything podcastprofiles his transition from professional football to Smith Street Buyer’s Agents, including the influence of his injury setbacks and the interest in property that began with his first purchase at age 19. The interview provides a more recent perspective on his journey beyond football, exploring how he approached a change in career direction after his playing opportunities were interrupted.

Part of Pennant Hills’ Player Development History

Ely’s path through Westbrook, Pennant Hills, the Murray Bushrangers and Brisbane remains a significant achievement. His selection in the first round of the AFL Draft added to the Club’s record of helping young players progress into elite football environments.

The Pennant Hills Demons are proud to recognise Ely’s football journey and wish him continued success in life beyond the game.