Len Smith (footballer, born 1912)

For other people named Leonard Smith, see Leonard Smith (disambiguation).

Len Smith
Personal information
Full name Leonard Victor Smith[1]
Date of birth (1912-02-09)9 February 1912
Place of birth Fitzroy North, Victoria
Date of death 23 July 1967(1967-07-23) (aged 55)[1]
Place of death Coburg, Victoria
Original team(s) Northcote (VFA)
Height 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight 74.5 kg (164 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1934–1935 Melbourne 19 0(3)
1937–1945 Fitzroy 76 (52)
Total 95 (55)
Coaching career
Years Club Games (W–L–D)
1958–1962 Fitzroy 092 (50–40–2)
1964–1965 Richmond 015 0(3–12–0)
Total 107 (53–52–2)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1945.
Career highlights

Victorian coach 1961

Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Leonard Victor Smith (9 February 1912 – 23 July 1967) was an Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club and Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

The older brother of champion full-forward and coach Norm Smith, Len Smith was considered one of the pioneers of modern Australian rules football. Although his actual coaching career was short-lived due to struggles with ill health, his emphasis on speed, constructive handpassing and play on had particular influence on Ron Barassi and Tom Hafey.

Smith was also a noted cricketer who played for the Dennis Cricket Club.[2]

  1. ^ a b Donald, Chris (2002). Fitzroy: For The Love of the Jumper. Pan Macmillan Australia. ISBN 978-1-877029-18-9.
  2. ^ "Play Cricket".