Cats veteran Isaac Smith holds no regrets in trading the brown and gold stripes for the navy blue and white hoops despite the fierce rivalry between Hawthorn and Geelong.
After 10 seasons and 210 games for the Hawks, Smith stunningly requested a move to Kardinia Park at the conclusion of the 2020 season, joining a side well in the hunt for premiership success after narrowly falling short that year.
Smith had weighed up options at both Geelong and Melbourne, while the Hawks had also remained hopeful their triple-premiership player would extend his stay as a one-club player.
However, in hope of stepping out of his "comfort zone" and venturing away from the city, Smith signed a two-year deal with the Cats, and he hasn't looked back since.
Speaking ahead of his second encounter against his former club, the 33-year-old reflected on his Waverley departure, stating it was "time for a change" as the next wave of young Hawks arrived.
โThere are many reasons why you need a change," Smith toldย The Herald Sun.
"I was fortunate enough to have a really successful career there and met great people, I had an unbelievable decade of my life at Hawthorn.
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โBut once you get into certain positions, once you have been in a leadership position at Hawthorn there arenโt too many places to go when you donโt hold them. It was time for a change, time for the younger collective to come through and impact the footy club.
โHow would it look if I didnโt leave and then the year after I would be done in football? Loyalty has been a great thing and a huge value of mine but the industry has changed.โ
While Smith could've played a role in Melbourne's drought-breaking premiership run last year, or perhaps may have stayed a Hawk for an 11th season, the New South Wales-born wingman holds no regrets over his move down the highway.
It has become a decision that has bared fruitful for his young family, with his pregnant wife Candice and their daughter Isla relishing every moment of life away from Melbourne.
โTo be honest I looked at both lists and they both presented great opportunities," Smith said about his decision to select the Cats over the Demons.
"In the end it came down to us wanting to move out of Melbourne. We are both country people.
โI was fortunate to have friends at Melbourne and Hawthorn but for me it was a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. Something completely different.
"In life you will never make a totally right or wrong decision but itโs been a decision that has been wonderful for me and my family.โ
In moving to Geelong, Smith's chances of a fourth AFL flag were strengthened, with the Cats having also landed star forward Jeremy Cameron from the Giants that same off-season off the back of a grand final finish.
Their 2021 prospects would take a hit however, with Chris Scott's side falling to none other than Melbourne in a disastrous preliminary final outing.
While the Demons would go on to win the premiership, Smith remains confident his pursuit for another piece of silverware is still alive.
โIt is why we play the game, isnโt it? To win premierships?" Smith said.
"Itโs been fantastic here. I havenโt regretted it for a second. You are always one in 18 chance to win the premiership and I feel like we are in a better position than last year.โ
Smith will face the Hawks in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG as the Cats look to add to their 3-1 record, with the veteran midfielder having begun this season in style, averaging a career-high 23.25 possessions per game.
