Carlton's newest recruit, Jagga Smith, is embracing the opportunity to join one of the AFL's most storied clubs after being selected with pick No. 3 in the 2024 AFL Draft.
The Oakleigh Chargers captain and standout midfielder is poised to bring his elite ball-winning ability and leadership to the Blues as they gear up for a promising 2025 season.
Speaking to the media after his selection, Smith revealed he didn't expect Carlton to be his landing spot, having traded up to secure the pick just weeks earlier.
"I couldn't really believe it, to be honest. I thought Carlton were never really in the picture for me,” Smith admitted.
“Even in the combine, they didn't meet with me because they didn't even have that pick yet. But when that went through, I thought I could be a chance."
When his name was called on draft night, the reality of joining the Blues finally hit him.
"For Carlton to put the trust in me… they obviously traded up the order to get a midfielder, and for me to be that player really means a lot. I'll grab the opportunity with both hands."
Smith joins an already star-studded Carlton midfield featuring Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and George Hewett. Despite the competition, the 18-year-old is ready to embrace the challenge.
"It's a tough midfield to crack. I haven't even thought about it, to be honest," Smith said.
"I just want to contribute to the club and hopefully earn my spot into the team. It doesn't always need to be with the ball in hand - any way I can contribute, I will."
Smith has drawn inspiration from Walsh, another top draft pick who has excelled at Carlton.
"Sam Walsh is obviously the player out of that midfield group that I look at the closest. He's a similar height to me and a running player as well."
Smith's rise to the top of the draft board was no accident. The hybrid midfielder enjoyed a sensational 2024 season, earning accolades for his consistency and versatility.
As captain of the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro, Smith averaged nearly 30 disposals in the Under-18 National Championships, where he also led his side to victory and claimed All-Australian captaincy honors.
In the Coates Talent League, Smith delivered one of the year's standout performances, amassing 50 disposals in a single game. He also proved his mettle against senior opposition, averaging 27 disposals across three games for Richmond's VFL side.
"I think my point of difference is my quick feet, my ability to get inside to outside, and being one-touch at ground level," Smith explained.
"Hopefully, I can find the ball and make my teammates better."
A lifelong Collingwood fan, Smith is now ready to embrace Carlton's fierce rivalry with the Magpies.
"I go for the Pies, but I'm off them now," he quipped with a smile.
"It's Collingwood that's the arch-enemy now."
Smith's father, Michael, was briefly on Collingwood's list in the late 1980s, but Jagga's loyalty has now shifted firmly to the navy blue.
Smith is eager to make an impact at AFL level and is confident he can handle the transition to senior football, having already faced bigger bodies in the VFL.
"I was able to prove that a little bit at VFL level this year, cracking in against some bigger bodies," he said.
"I'd love to prove that at the level above."
While the prospect of playing finals as early as next season with Carlton excites him, Smith remains grounded about his immediate goals.
"Any draftee wants to play as early as possible, but I know that pick three is just a number. I'll be treated the same as someone taken later in the draft. My focus is on earning the respect of my teammates and contributing to the team."
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin praised Smith's leadership, work ethic, and potential to bring a new dimension to the club's midfield.
"You'd struggle to find a more impressive young person and player than Jagga," Austin said.
"He's someone who relishes the contest and offers a real point of difference."
For Smith, the hard work is just beginning, but his professional mindset and hunger for success make him a perfect fit for Carlton's ambitious future.