Jagga Smith in action during Carlton's clash against Sydney in Opening Round, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

CARLTON young gun Jagga Smith believes his injury-enforced stint on the sidelines taught him valuable mental lessons before he burst onto the scene.

The No.3 draft pick in 2024, Smith was rocked in February last year when a knee injury ruined his debut season before it had begun.

But the 20-year-old has recovered and shone in his first two games at senior level this season, earning a Telstra Rising Star award nomination for his 32-disposal effort in the Blues' win over Richmond.

"I hadn't really had too big of a setback before that knee injury, so it taught me a lot about resilience and perspective," Smith said.

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"I wish it didn't happen but sometimes you've just got to take the learnings out of those experiences."

Despite his hot start, Smith's introduction to AFL ranks hasn't been all smooth sailing.

He noted the game was much faster than he was used to, and received a not-so-friendly welcome to the top level from a Brisbane premiership star.

"In a practice game, Josh Dunkley got me with a good hip-and-shoulder that I didn't see coming," Smith said.

"He said, 'Welcome to the big time, mate'. That was a pretty big moment."

Jagga Smith in action during Carlton's match simulation against Brisbane on February 18, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Smith spent parts of his year out shadowing established Carlton star Sam Walsh, whose hard-running game style the youngster is seeking to emulate.

"He's someone who drives the standards really well and I was able to sit in a few of his reviews," Smith said.

"It was actually like I was playing a game each week where I could look at what he was doing well and things he needed to improve on.

"He's a player that I want to strive to be like, so last year he was really big for my development."

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Smith is already displaying some Walsh-like traits, having no trouble finding the ball.

"It's something I've always been able to do in the junior leagues and credit to the coaching staff for putting the trust in me to play some midfield minutes," Smith said.

"I'm just trying to look to be as damaging as I can with the disposals from this point onwards.

"That's the next step in my game - trying to impact as much as I can centre-forward."