'Off them now': One remark burns Jagga Smith's boyhood club as prized pick ditches Pies

Jagga Smith is a diehard Collingwood supporter.

Well, he once was.

Now, he's ditching the black and white for the navy blue, after being selected by Carlton with pick three on the first night of the 2024 AFL Draft.

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And he doesn't seem all that sad about it.

"I go for the Pies, but I'm off them now," Smith proudly declared on Fox Footy moments after being drafted to Carlton.

Smith's father, Michael, was on Collingwood's list, but did not play a senior game.

And despite Smith having little competition to reach the senior level, he remained as humble as ever as he locked in for what lies ahead.

"I've got to go in there and get the respect first, before I think about getting a game," he said.

"Dad's been huge for me, a massive influence in my footy pathway."

The young midfielder had no idea that he was being selected by Carlton, which made his draft night and the club's rivalry with the Pies, even more exciting.

"I didn't get a word at all, no one let me know, to be honest," Smith told AFL.com.au.

"I had a good idea that I might be around this range, but it's never true until you hear your name.

"To be at a great club like Carlton, I'm so thankful."

Smith played three games for Richmond's VFL side in 2024, where he collected 31, 27 and 24 disposals through the middle.

"It was good, obviously first time playing against senior bodies. I loved that step up," he said.

He'll join Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh in Carlton's midfield, bringing an edge like Port Adelaide's Zak Butters, known for his agility and explosive in-and-under speed.