There may not have been a more humble, rounded, measured, level-headed first-year player in the AFL than Bailey Smith.
The Western Bulldogs midfielder speaks more like a 30-year-old veteran of 200 games, rather than an 18-year-old with just nine games' experience.
Smith, who has been hugely impressive in his fledgling AFL career and is the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 9, believes there's more to life than football.
That's not to say Smith doesn't love the game – he does – but, despite still being in his teens, Smith's outlook on life is to focused on keeping things in perspective.
Much of that has been learnt at Sunday Mass, which Smith attends when he can. He also conducts readings from time to time, which he thoroughly enjoys.
"My family's not too religious; I just found in Year 8 or 9 I was quite inspired by Gary Ablett with his religious faith. I thought, 'why not have something to believe in that's bigger than myself?'," Smith told SEN.com.au.
"I started going to Mass and it really helped ground me for the week in terms of what was to come. It helps me put things into perspective.
"There's no reason to fear the wind when you've got strong roots. Having strong roots in something that is a lot bigger than myself has really helped me take on things in my life and get through things in my life.
"I'm not super religious, but it helps me function on a weekly basis."
The round nine NAB AFL Rising Star nominee is Bailey Smith, congratulations Baz! pic.twitter.com/PIiKi4HJEu
— AFL (@AFL) May 20, 2019
Smith was drafted by the Bulldogs with pick 7 at last year's NAB AFL Draft in November.
He has only been in the 'AFL system' six months.
In that time, has seen teammate Tom Boyd retire at 23 years of age after falling out of love with the game.
"At the end of the day it's a game; there are bigger things to look to at times. As hard as it is, it's something that I've tried to work on, to realise footy shouldn't consume your whole life," Smith said.
"I'm just enjoying playing footy. I'm not thinking too much, just taking it as it comes.
"Tom's a really big inspiration for everyone; to have the courage to take that step in his life, he'll be a lot better off.
"I think it's a real positive thing for Tom, going in the right direction. At the end of the day, as I said, footy's only a game. You've just got to be happy and enjoy life."
Smith has many admirable qualities.
He is determined to succeed, both on and off the field. He also takes inspiration from NBA superstar LeBron James.
James last year returned to his hometown of Akron, Ohio to open the I Promise School, an initiative of the LeBron James Family Foundation.
It boasts state-of-the-art facilities and caters for 250-odd at-risk children.
James' incredible work ethic has been a key part of his outstanding durability.
"I like how good he (James) is off-court in terms of recovery, and just things like creating his own school and giving back to his community," said Smith.
"Everyone can take a leaf out of his book."
Just like 'King James', the ultra-fit Smith, who doesn't look out of place next to some of the league's older bodies, is meticulous in his preparation, but has learned not to be "over the top".
"I used to be really strict on my diet back in the day, but I'm a lot more relaxed about it now, which is good; it's helping my footy," he explained.
"A lot of the boys at the club have helped me find a balance of when to switch off and not be 'on' all the time, which has helped a lot and improved my footy but also my head as well; it's made me happier and I've learnt to enjoy my time off and not just be focused on footy the whole time."
Smith's Rising Star nomination comes as no surprise.
He averages 17 disposals (seven contested), four tackles, three inside 50s and two clearances per game, and in Saturday's loss to the Cats in Geelong, the ex-Sandringham Dragons skipper racked up 28 possession (10 contested) and five clearances.
"It's mixed emotions, obviously the loss was disappointing, but it's nice to get a bit of recognition," said Smith.