Clem Smith says he prides himself on attacking the footy, so it’s of no real surprise that Hawthorn Premiership Captain Luke Hodge serves as an inspiration.

Ask Smith to volunteer the League footballer on which he’s modelled himself and Hodge is it.

“I like seeing how courageous Luke Hodge is when he goes back with the flight and I like the way he goes in. I have definitely learnt off him,” Smith said.

Smith was with members of the Christie family in metropolitan Perth when Carlton called his name at selection 60. “I didn’t move, I didn’t do anything, I was just happy,” said Smith when the realisation hit home that he was a Carlton draftee.

The Christies took Smith in at a time when he and his siblings were in foster care, and it is to them that he is truly indebted.

Now, football has forced the move away, but that’s fine by all parties. As Smith said: “I’m real close to them and it will be hard to break, but they’re all pretty rapt I’ve been drafted, and now it’s up to me to put my best foot forward”.

New Blue Clem Smith. (Photo: AFL Photos)

“The move is not a problem, it’s not intimidating,” Smith said. “I’m definitely excited, I always wanted to play in Melbourne and I can’t wait to move across to play.

“I’ve been dreaming about this all my life. I’m definitely going to make the most of it with the Blueboys and make a great career out of it.”

It’s not that Smith will be out on a limb at Visy Park either. The Perth footballer formed friendships with the likes of Patrick Cripps and Blaine Johnson from the Under 18 days, and he’s also mates with fellow 2014 draftees Blaine Boekhorst and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow. So bring on the pre-season for the man who for the most part has modelled himself on Hodge, L.

As he said: “I’m definitely a hardnut and definitely a run-and-carry player . . . I can use my skills and just break the lines”.

“And I’m just happy to be a Blueboy.”