Brodie Smith has provided further clarity on his role for 2021, Adelaide senior coach Matthew Nicks will rely heavily on the experience of Smith throughout the upcoming H&A season.
Smith began last season in the midfield group for the Crows, he was used at 50.0% of centre bounces in 3 of his opening 9 games of the season. After missing Round 10 Smith was not used at centre bounces for the remainder of the season moving to a half-back role.
Adelaide: "I'll just make it clear that Lairdy (Rory Laird) didn't take my spot (in the midfield last season), I needed to go to half-back to help out."
— aflratings.com.au (@aflratings) January 12, 2021
Brodie Smith on Monday#AFL | #AFLPreSeason pic.twitter.com/Ay2gSeQ5fE
Smith is currently spending most of his time with the defensive group, it is likely he’ll spend the majority of his playing time initially from a half-back role in 2021.
“Scotty Burns (Crows assistant coach – Defence) comes across now into the back, still working closely with him to know exactly how he wants the back 6 to operate.” Brodie Smith on Monday.
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The versatility of Smith is an important part for Adelaide in what is likely to be another developing season, apart from his half-back role there is likely to be opportunities through the midfield at times this season.
“I still think it will be the same, I’ll play a number of roles whether it’s half-back, wing or inside (Mid).”
“I’ll just leave myself open to play whatever role is there.” Smith added.
Given a chance to play through the midfield won’t be an issue for Smith, he’s always keen to jump into midfield meetings/groups when possible.
“I love training with the Mids, it gives a bit of a different look for me obviously.”
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AFL FANTASY TAKE
Brodie Smith averaged 68.3pts from 16 games last season, he scored a season high 107pts against West Coast in Round 6.
In games when Smith was used at 50.0% of centre bounces he averaged 65.3pts, he averaged 68.4pts between Rounds 11-18 when he wasn’t used at any centre bounces.
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It’s likely going to be a mixture of roles for Smith across an entire season, that is likely to add to his volatility in scoring for fantasy.
A more secure position across half-back with Rory Laird in the midfield would likely add to his fantasy value, with the Crows in a rebuild phase positions could also be less secure over 22 games.
Smith is a wait & see in AFL Fantasy classic at Round 1, there is some risk associated with a versatile role but the half-back role over a period of a H&A season is somewhat appealing.
Smith is a solid mid round selection in draft.
*2020: 16 Min Qtrs
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Photo credit: Adelaide
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