Brodie Smith has 25 touches in impressive SANFL return after knee reconstruction
AS BRODIE Smith drove to Elizabeth for his first game of football in 317 days he knew he’d ticked every box with his re-built right knee but there were still some questions that only a game could answer.
AS BRODIE Smith drove to Elizabeth for his first game of football in 317 days he knew he’d ticked every box with his re-built right knee but there were still some questions that only a game could answer.
Smith is an All-Australian defender with 143 AFL games’ experience but admitted he was nervous.
Would he still be the same player before his right knee gave way in last year’s qualifying final against GWS and which robbed him of a grand final?
The calmness he was looking for arrived from Adelaide’s SANFL coach Ryan O’Keefe whose final words to Smith before the game against Central District were simple.
“I said ‘go out and play mate, you never forget how to play footy’,” O’Keefe said.
Smith went to his familiar post across half-back to start the game and took just 1min 50secs to get involved when he broke away from a stoppage.
From there it all came flooding back.
The releasing handball of his, the trademark baulk, the penetrating right boot on his kicking leg that had been reconstructed and the hard running that the Crows have so often missed at AFL level this season.
He also hasn’t forgotten how to run hard into space and cheekily put his hand in the air begging for the footy knowing he’s within range 65m from goal.
His dad Gordon was in the rooms the night Smith did his ACL in last year’s final and was at Elizabeth Oval yesterday to see his return.
“I’m always quiet in the stands whether it’s an AFL game or SANFL but I was nervous for the first contact, and I noticed he was still sniffing around trying to get a goal,” Gordon said.
“We travel with him to home games and this year it was like the old days but he was very quiet in the car.”
Smith finished with a team-high 25 disposals and eight marks in the 16-point loss.
“I’ve done all the work and contact stuff at training so had no hesitation out there at all,” he said.
“I was nervous, but not about my knee, just getting back out and having a kick.
“I had no real expectation, I blew up early and late again so it was good to get it out of the way.
“GPS-wise what we set out to achieve was pretty much spot on.
“Hopefully next week will be a bit easier then I can put my hand up (for AFL selection).”
And just like that the number 33 was back. So much has changed at Adelaide this year but Saturday proved its popular half-back is still the same old Smithers.
And now he’s hoping after one more SANFL game that he can return to the senior side.
“I had to try to take the game on a bit, that’s the sort of thing I want to get back - that run and carry at SANFL level - and then take it up to the AFL boys and try to have an impact at that level,” Smith said.