Craig Smith chats transition from footy field to backyard

As part of RedZed’s Next Play initiative highlighting local businesses, Storm are tracking down former players to see how their small businesses have kept them busy since hanging up the boots. 

Storm player #2 Craig Smith is the joint-owner and operator of Smith & Wilson Landscaping and Maintenance, a business that specialises in landscaping, interior design, property development and project management. 

The 50-year-old will forever hold a place in Storm folklore for his involvement in the infamous penalty try that lifted Storm to its first ever premiership back in 1999.  

With three minutes remaining in the contest, he caught a Brett Kimorley crossfield kick only to be collected by an infamous high shot from Dragons winger Jamie Ainscough, spilling the ball in the instant he was knocked out. 

Fortunately, he wasn’t seriously injured from the incident and has since gone on to take the landscaping world by storm, establishing his own business alongside former AFL star Brian Wilson. 

Smith said the opportunity to work on his own schedule and avoid the regular grind of working in an office, gives him the freedom to create designs he’s genuinely proud of. 

“I just love working outside as the office just isn't for me, I like looking back on what I've created in the day as that gives me satisfaction,” Smith said.  

“I like working my own hours and having the accountability that if I do a bad job, it's on me.”

While life’s certainly different to that of his playing days, Smith believes there are still plenty of similarities between the footy field and that of running a small business.  

“What I miss about football is what I have with Brian in that you look over and you’re buggered and you give each other the nod that yeah I'm stuffed too and keep going,”   

“To be part of a startup and have success and to take with you a winning culture like this club still has, it’s a one-in-a-million opportunity and something one I'm very grateful for,” he said.  

As for advice for those looking to create or manage their own small business, Smith highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication.  

“It’s about going 100%, you’ve just got to turn up and not be afraid to take chances, follow your gut and work hard every day.”