Former Lion Ely Smith joins the Panthers!

South Adelaide are excited to welcome big body midfielder Ely Smith to Flinders University Stadium in 2023. 

Taken at pick 21 of the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Smith has spent the last four seasons with the Lions. 

Averaging just over 21 disposals in 2022, Smith will provide the Panthers with additional strength around the contest. 

When speaking about why Smith choose the Panthers, he highlighted the welcoming culture the club has.

"I'm looking forward to playing a full season of football and forming great relationships with my team mates and really enjoy where I am."

"I think I can add a bigger body who can win clearances and provide the ball to the outside players."

"Getting through the whole year injury free, playing the best footy I possibly can and getting some success with the team are my key goals for the year"

"One of the things I noticed was how welcoming everyone at the club was including coaching staff, management staff and players. It just felt right."

- Ely Smith

While Smith didn't get an AFL opportunity with the Lions, he will provide the Panthers with some additional grunt. 

"Ely has the ability to push forward and kick goals which is something we love about his game" said Senior Coach Jarrad Wright.

"He is strong around the contest which will add another layer to the mids, and great by hand which will open up plenty of options for us"

"We welcome Ely and his partner Emma to the club."