Cameron Smith is among the top 10 elite Australian athletes vying for the annual Sports Dad of the Year award to be announced on Father's Day on September 1.
Now in its 11th year, the award showcases the contribution Australia's sporting elite make to their families both on and off the field, highlighting athletes across a range of sports juggling fatherhood and their sporting commitments.
2018 winner Johnathan Thurston donated his winnings to the Mark Hughes Foundation.
If Cameron is crowned this year's winner, he will donate his $5000 prize to Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Cameron said he spends as much quality time with his kids Jada (11), Jasper (9) and Matilda (7) as he can.
"On game day I’ll always try to spend the morning with the kids before having a rest in the afternoon," he said.
"We do normal things – school drops-offs, go for a walk and have breakfast together. The kids also love bike riding, so when we get the chance we get the bikes out and go for a big ride around Melbourne."
Cam's wife Barbara said he is a very hands-on Dad and makes sure he is present at all the kids sporting and school events.
The skipper said he found it hard to spend time away from his family during the season.
"It’s more difficult now the kids are older and involved in junior sports and school activities that I miss out on," he said.
"My kids run the kicking tee so I’m very fortunate to be able to share some special moments in my career with my children on the field with me.
"Jada plays netball, Jasper plays Aussie rules footy and Matilda is playing basketball. Depending on my training schedule, I try to be at as many of these games as I can to cheer them on."
"The best thing about being a dad is watching my kids smile and laugh and seeing them grow into respectful, kind young people."
Cameron Smith
Other finalists include NSW Origin stars James Maloney from the Panthers and the Knights’ David Klemmer, Tigers and Kiwi legend Benji Marshall, Souths’ stalwart John Sutton and Cowboys' great Matt Scott.
The NRL stars will be joined by AFL champions in West Coast Eagles premiership forward Jack Darling and Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury. Boomers and Utah Jazz star Joe Ingles and Test cricketer Matthew Wade round out a strong field.
Vote now for Cam at sportsdads.com.au
Voting closes on Tuesday August 27, and the Sports Dad of the Year winner will be announced on Father's Day.
