Smith is one of seven North-listed players selected for the game, joining Gavin Urquhart, Eddie Sansbury, Blake Grima, Andrew Swallow, Cruize Garlett and Michael Wundke.
Young key position player Robbie Tarrant is an emergency.
Smith kicked four goals as one of the Roosters’ better players in its preliminary final win over North Melbourne’s other VFL affiliate, Werribee, last Sunday.
Confidence from that performance and the chance to take the Friday night stage has seen excitement gradually outweigh the 22-year-old’s nerves.
“I feel pretty privileged and lucky really to have a chance to win my first flag in my first year in Melbourne,” he said.
“We’re a pretty tight group of fellas and are very keen to have a medallion around our necks.
“It’s definitely very exciting to be playing on Telstra Dome. The two AFL games I played this year were interstate, so I haven’t got to play there and it’s one of the things I’ve really been looking forward to – to play at the Dome with the roof shut and lights on. I can’t wait.”
Smith joined North Melbourne from WAFL club West Perth via selection 62 in last year’s draft, and has played 18 games at VFL level in a season largely focused on his development.
He made his AFL debut against Adelaide in round seven and was given another nod for the trip to play Fremantle in round 12, but has otherwise dedicated his time to the Roosters’ attack.
His progress at full-forward surged last week and, in a match with some extra feeling given the opposition, Smith was thrilled to deliver.
“I had a couple of quiet weeks, so having a week off helped us to refresh a bit and [I was] very happy to have an impact at least on the game and help our boys get over the line,” he said.
“After the game we’re all teammates and mates, so we just told the boys ‘bad luck’. Obviously they were devastated. Someone had to win and I’m glad it was us.”
Port Melbourne booked its grand final spot with a similarly gritty win over Williamstown and, after earning the minor premiership from North Ballarat on percentage alone, presents the other half of an intriguing clash.
“Port Melbourne have had a very good year and probably go into the game as favourites,” Smith said. “We’ve had a very good year as well and I’d like to think that, on our day, if we play our best footy we’ll be able to win.
“Port Melbourne have won every game at home this year and obviously they play Port Melbourne very well, but hopefully on a bit bigger ground at Telstra Dome we can give them a run for their money.”
Bouncedown is at 7.40pm.
North Ballarat
B: Matthew Sharkey, Shaune Moloney, Marc Greig
HB: Daniel Feery, Michael Searl, Gavin Urquhart
C: Eddie Sansbury, Brett Goodes, Tom Roach
HF: Michael Wundke, Jacob Spolding, Paul McMahon
F: Bill Driscoll, Josh Smith, Blake Grima
Foll: Orren Stephenson, Stephen Clifton, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Dean Chester, Cruize Garlett, Myles Sewell, Daniel McConnell
EMG: Robbie Tarrant, Sphen Owen, Rohan McHugh, Stevie Dinnell
