Underrated and often under the radar, Swans premiership winning defender Nick Smith was recognised for his off-field contributions at last Friday night’s Club Champion Dinner.

Smith, who joined the Swans leadership group in 2012, was named the Barry Round Best Clubman by the Swans match committee for his efforts to motivate and inspire his fellow team mates.

The 24-year-old, who joined the club in 2008, is best known on-field for his roles on some of the competition’s most potent small forwards including Cyril Rioli and Stephen Milne, but off the field Smith is known for his diligence, work ethic and leadership qualities.

Speaking to SwansTV after collecting his award, Smith said he was overwhelmed to be awarded the Best Clubman honour this season.

“It’s actually unbelievable at the moment,” he said.

“I just got up to the stage and didn’t know what to say.

“All I had to say was that it really is unbelievable to be a part of this club and I’m so fortunate to be a part of it all.”

The defender said while he was honoured to have been recognised by the club, his individual honour could not match what the Swans achieved on the field in 2012.

“It’s a massive wrap from the coaches … and it is good to get personal recognition, but you can’t beat what happened on the weekend and the players we play with,” he said.

“We just heard (tonight) about Goodsey and all the injuries he has gone through and he is a great player, but I think those things also describe us as a club and as a team more than all the accolades and those sorts of things.

“The last week and the game, it’s just so good to be a part of a club and a team that play for each other.”

While Smith was coy to elaborate on his personal achievements, the former Scotch College football captain spoke confidently about his role within the leadership group this year.

Smith said he valued his role as part of the group, and hoped he would have a positive influence on the club in his time at the Swans.

“(Being in the leadership group) means I have a big role in the direction we take as a club and that kind of thing, and I actually really enjoy having a part in the direction of the club,” Smith said.

“We’re only here for a short time, but there have been a lot of people before us and it’s now about making a difference and leaving the club in a better shape than when we got here.”