About Us

The Don Smith Medal is presented annually to the best Premier Grade player as determined by points, allocated in each Premiership Round during the season, by match referees.Donald Smith joined Woodville RUFC in 1933. He worked at Islington Railway Station Workshops, as did Charlie Hill and others who played in the team. Don was the Club Captain and a State Representative in 1936 and 1939.

Don Smith enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in 1939 and was a member of the H.M.A.S Perth. He played as a member of the Perth’s team in a seven-a-side competition in Alexandria, Egypt. Don lost his life when the H.M.A.S Perth was sunk in the Sundra Straits by Japanese warships. A Woodville team mate decided that “Smithy should be remembered” and so Len Dangerfield donated a trophy for the Best and Fairest player during a season.

Edna Reilly had 10 children - 5 girls and 5 boys - and loved the game of rugby and was passionate about women being able to play. Sean Reilly and his brothers played rugby in South Australia and were part of the North Torrens Rugby Club.

Edna Reilly passed away in 1994 and the Womens Competition in South Australia started in 1995. Fiona Brady nee Mensforth from Old Collegians was the first recipient of this award.

The trophy is named in Edna's honor and is awarded by the referees who vote each week for the best and fairest female player.