Royal may have kicked last goal
Bernie Naylor medallist Josh Smith may have played his last game for East Perth because continuing ankle problems threaten the crack forward's future.
Smith, 28, had his left ankle reconstructed at the end of 2013 and struggled through last season with lingering soreness.
The problem intensified after the Royals' 12-point grand final loss to Subiaco in September, leaving him unable to run.
He has yet to take part in any pre-season training and is on a program of pool and bicycle work.
Specialists have suggested the joint wouldn't benefit from more surgery because the problem is related to scar tissue.
Smith said he still wanted to play this season, but if the ankle wasn't showing signs of improvement he would be left with a tough decision.
"At this stage it's probably 50-50," he said.
"I haven't retired but there is a chance that I couldn't play again.
"It's not really how I planned this season to be.
"I re-signed with the club for another season coming into this year, trying to win this flag that we can't get, which is really frustrating.
"That carrot is still dang- ling, which I really want to get back for, but at the same time I've got to look at life after football and down the track."
Smith has been one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition since joining East Perth in 2011 - instead of returning to his original club West Perth - after a stint in the AFL with North Melbourne.
He has kicked 218 goals in 81 games for the Royals, including Foxtel Cup appearances, winning the Bernie Naylor Medal in 2013 with a haul of 62 goals.
Smith was also named Simpson medallist in the 2011 State game with five goals in a 45-point win over Queensland.
Should he fail to return, the Royals cannot replace him with someone from outside their zone given the rules surrounding their alignment with West Coast.
