North Beach stalwart Luke Smith was afforded the highest honour available at the club in having life membership bestowed upon him at the annual presentation dinner on Friday night.
Smith, a wonderful servant of the North Beach Amateur Football Club, both on and off field, was a popular nominee when the announcement was made by long-time teammate Chris Perkin.
As a player he joined the club in 1998 when listed by West Perth, but played five games at the Beach which was his nominated community club.
In 1999 he travelled overseas, but returned in 2000 to begin a long and highly successful playing career with North Beach. He played in a phenomenal nine A-Grade premierships between 2001 and 2010, winning the BJ Giles Medal as best on ground in the 2002 premiership.
He has played around 260 games for the club and aside from being a pivotal part of those successful teams, Smith has always represented the club with distinction. He has played the game as hard as anyone, but also demonstrates strong values and has, throughout his career, displayed great sportsmanship.
He is a respected leader within the club, further enhanced this year where he was captain of the A-Reserves. He assisted the transition of young players into higher ranks and is warmly regarded by all.
Off-field, Smith has also made a significant contribution to the club, joining the general committee in 2004 and then assuming the role as treasurer in 2006.
The club finds itself in a strong financial position and that is largely due to the meticulous work and attention to detail of Luke Smith. There is little doubt that the toughest role in any community organisation, especially a football club boasting seven teams and significant turnover, is that of treasurer.
Smith has carried out this demanding task in the last six seasons most efficiently and with very little fanfare – pretty much the same way he plays his football.
Smith has been a model citizen, a person of the highest integrity and a man who has North Beach blood pumping through his veins.
