Tom W. Smith joined the RAN Reserve in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, and was commissioned as a sub Lieutenant in 1940. He sailed for England that same year and served on many Royal Navy Ships, returning to Australia in 1944 serving in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during the Islands and Philippines Campaigns.
1946, Tom saw service in Corvettes, Tugs and LST’s in the New Guinea and New Britain areas. Tom was transferred to the RAN in 1947 after serving on various RAN ships until his retirement.
He organised one of the first games of Australian Rules Football on English soil, in 1956, between HMAS Melbourne and a team of Australians from London.
1957 to 1961 he was President of The East Australian Football Competition, during which time the Navy team was undefeated in the inter-service Competition.
He became President of the HMAS Cerberus Australian Football Club in 1961and was made their first life member in 1962.
In 1968, Tom was one of the foundation members of the South Coast Australian Football League, holding the office of Vice President from 1969 – 1972. Tom served as a committee member on the South Coast Australian Football League until 1985, and was awarded Life membership in 1979.
He was also involved with the Albatross AFC, becoming it’s first life member in 1969, and then President of the club from 1970 to 1972. He held many roles at the Club until 1996.
Tom firmly believed that every player, coach, official and supporter should follow the “Sportsman’s Creed”, so that good sportsmanship would be the primary motivation for playing, that players should work together as a team and support each other. “The Sportsman’s Creed” was written on a board outside the Albatross AFC club house for many years, Tom would make a point of showing the players to motivate them.
In 1978, the South Coast Australian Football League rewarded Tom with naming the reserve Grade Best and Fairest Medal after him, “The Tom Smith Medal”.
In 1984 the Naval Board names the HMAS Albatross Oval after Tom Smith, forever being known as the “Tom Smith Oval”.
| Year | Player | Club |
| 2022 | Ryan Kelly | Bomaderry Tigers |
| 2023 | Jack Boxsell | Bomaderry Tigers |
