There were more than a few feel-good stories to come out of Friday night’s last gasp win over the Cats, but one that may have been lost in the mix is that of Roarke Smith.
 
The athletic 21-year-old has played in every game since the round 10 clash with Collingwood after playing just two games in three season due to a rotten run with injuries.
 
Smith debuted against the Eagles in late 2015 before an ACL injury sidelined him for much of 2016.  Having fought his way into the side for the round 22 clash with injury, the future looked bright.
 
However, during a pre-season game against the Lions in 2017 he did his second ACL, again ending his season prematurely.
 
Speaking to Channel Seven post-match on Friday, Smith opened up on his, at times challenging, journey.
 
“The tears nearly come out there, it’s been a long journey, I didn’t realise how far I’d actually come, he said. 
 
“All the hard work I’ve put in with my rehab coach, Nick Stone, and all the physio staff, it honestly means the world to me to get that win, it’s been so long since I’ve had a win in the ones, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”