Brodie Smith on the fall of Adelaide’s game-plan since 2017 and why it is struggling to respond in tough season

Brodie Smith says Adelaide must fix its torpedoed game-plan and honour Eddie Betts’ 300th milestone against Gold Coast or face another season write-off.

Taylor Walker of the Crows celebrates a goal with Eddie Betts. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

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Brodie Smith says Adelaide must fix its torpedoed game-plan and honour Eddie Betts’s 300th milestone against Gold Coast or face a devastating season write-off.

Rivals have worked out how to defend Adelaide but it is yet to adjust, ensuring indecisive ball movement and clogged scoring avenues.

“The thing we are struggling with the most at the moment is how quick to move the footy and we are getting stuck between that fast and slow play,” Smith said.

Crows star Brodie Smith under pressure from North Melbourne’s Shaun Higgins at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

“It is a tough one; last week we tried to go really quick. We tried to find a bit of middle gear this week, not try and go fast and probably went too slow.

“It will be a big week on the track.

“We need to figure out what is going wrong so we can fix it up, because if it keeps tracking this way, the season will be over before we know it.”

Champion Data stats underpin Adelaide’s stop-start ball movement, which culminates in the league’s second worst metres-gained-a-disposal record of 14.4 this season.

Adelaide’s transition from defensive midfield to inside 50 is a 13th-ranked 21.5 seconds.

The rebound of Smith and half-back partner Rory Laird is being neutralised without remedy in a 1-3 start to 2019.

“The new (6-6-6) rules mean people have put a lot of work into their defence,” Smith told The Advertiser.

“That added pressure — teams are clogging up holes and we are trying to find a way through it but it is just not working for us.”

Adelaide was smashed in contested ball by the Kangaroos 137-120 but it is a ground ball gets differential — prioritised by revered coach Phil Walsh — that poses concern for successor Don Pyke. Adelaide is averaging -8.8 this year for ground ball gets, ranked 17th.

“Our contested possession, we hate getting beaten in that area, that will be a big focus this week and get our ball movement going,” said Smith.

Skipper Taylor Walker was challenged internally to crash packs and responded with a goal and two immaculate goal assists against North Melbourne as Adelaide’s attack made the most of 36 inside 50 entries.

“Tex put his hand up this week. He got the feedback to jump at contests. I think he really led the way there,” said Smith.

Adelaide’s Eddie Betts celebrates a goal with skipper against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

Betts will enter the 300-club in form having conjured three goals for his extensive highlights reel as Adelaide’s only bright light against the Kangaroos.

“He is a freak. He showed it again, does those things every week that no one else can do and that is what we love about him,” said Smith of Betts.

“Going into his 300th it will be a great week for him and the club so hopefully we have a really good win for him.”

Smith knows Adelaide’s patient fanbase is becoming restless. If its current premiership window is closing then dual premiership skipper Mark Bickley could be pension age before Adelaide’s next flag.

“I know the fans are frustrated and trust me, we are as well,” said Smith.

“We are all disappointed as a group and know we are capable of much better than we are putting out on the park.”