Lawson-Smith

Lawson-Smith debuted for the Blues in 1970, playing 7 games over 2 seasons.

Gary Smith was born in South Australia on June 30, 1947 and was recruited from Central District and had to stand out of football for the 1969 season, when he kept fit by being Carlton's match day runner while waiting for his clearance. He played in guernsey number 16 and debuted in Round 10, 1970 against Footscray at the Western Oval at the age of 22 years and 341 days old in this 10 point loss where he was named on the half back flank. He was listed as 6' 3" (191cm) and 13.11 (87.5kg) and he played 3 senior games during 1970.

Before the start of 1971 season he married and changed his name from Smith to Lawson-Smith (Lawson being his middle name). He was one of the two Carlton players to change their surnames for this season the other one being Andy Lukas who shorted his name to Lukas. These stories are explained in great detail in the attached link.

Gary played 4 games during 1971 and played his last league game in Round 11, 1971 and was aged 23 years and 349 days old. Four of his 7 Carlton senior games were played off the interchange bench and he played in 4 wins at a winning ratio of 57.1%.

Lawson-Smith also wore Guernsey No. 26 whilst playing with Carlton reserves in 1969.

Career Highlights

1971 - 4th Reserves Best & Fairest