Ashley Smith Biography

West Coast delist utility Ashley Smith and defender Jacob Brennan.

"Jacob and Ashley have been valuable members of our squad for the last few years," Eagles football operations manager Craig Vozzo said.

"It is not pleasant releasing people of this calibre, but it is something that has to occur.

"I would like to thank Jacob and Ashley for their contributions to the club and wish them every success for the future."

Eagle Ashley Smith has benefited from a more defensive attitude and is taking advantage of opportunities to be part of the side this season.

"I've always been pretty good at running and kicking the ball, but my defence was probably the thing that was letting me down and keeping me out of the team," he said.

"I've been working on defensive skills, like starting positions and spoiling, and they're the things that have helped me keep my spot.

"In the past I saw myself as an attacking defender, but this year I've looked more to defence. That's allowed me to play a few different roles."

Ashley Smith makes his AFL debut for West Coast with 19 disposals (14 kicks and 5 handballs), 4 marks, 2 tackles and a goal in a 22-point loss to Adelaide.