IN A time where players change clubs at the drop of a hat, chasing money, premierships or to play with their mates, Glenroy captain Ricky Smith can almost be called old-fashioned.

The 26-year-old has only ever pulled on one football jumper - the unmistakable red and white of Glenroy.

When speaking with Smith it is clear that he has a passion for his club that is seldom seen anymore.

“I’ve always wanted to be a one-club man,” he said. “It really comes down to what you play footy for. You can go around and get money at other clubs, (but) our club isn’t based on money, it’s more based on the enjoyment of football - the right premise of the club.

“They’re more than just your mates, you rely on them through thick and thin and that’s what I like to get out of the footy club.

“You get as much out as you put in; it’s more than a place you go to get a kick.”

Smith’s involvement in the club goes back to under 10s when he ran around in the juniors and the rugged onballer has come a long way.

He was vice-captain for a couple of years for the senior team in his early 20s and assumed the full captaincy role three years ago.

Now 26, Smith considers himself one of the old men of the team, though he readily admits it is sometimes strange to be mentoring the young players when he himself is not exactly past his prime.

“It can be (strange) sometimes, when I can have a drink and play up just as much as the young kids,” he said with a chuckle.

“It’s actually good, it helps yourself to bring the young kids up, you feel good about bringing them up and it helps your footy because you get a bit more responsible.”

But it has been tough going for the Roys in 2009, with many of the premiership-winning B Grade side departing in the off-season, leaving the club in the lurch heading into its first A Grade season in more than a decade.

While Smith admits the start to the season has been far from ideal, nothing can take away the winning feeling from 2008.

“It was unbelievable, you can go around and play in flags if you showboat yourself around, but to actually play for a club that I’ve played at all my life, it was incredible, a dream come true.”

Smith was reluctant to rate his own form this season, but coach Ashley Manning was happy to describe him as a player.

“He’s someone who leads by example more so than with words.

“He’s got a great work ethic, he’s fearless at the ball, does whatever job the side needs him to do and he puts the footy club ahead of his own personal benefit; he’s always putting the team first.”

It was a tough day at the office for Smith’s Roys on Saturday, with the side getting belted by reigning premier Keilor.

The Blues were on fire all day and led by Jarrod Garth, who kicked 15 goals, Keilor claimed a 39.18.252 to 4.1.25 victory.

In other results, Greenvale defeated Doutta by 23 points, Aberfeldie continued its good form, handing Craigieburn its first defeat of the season, Maribyrnong Park knocked off Strathmore by 43 points and West Coburg got up over Avondale Heights by a solitary point.

In the B Grade, Roxburgh Park, Oak Park, Jacana, Moonee Valley, Pascoe Vale and Taylors Lakes all recorded wins, with scores from the Keilor Park/Tullamarine clash unavailable at the time of writing.