Eddie Betts brilliant in his 250th game, Brodie Smith’s concussion a worry

EDDIE Betts was headlining his greatest hits show when Brodie Smith sent Adelaide crashing down back to earth during Showdown 41.

Brodie Smith is helped by medical and training staff after being concussed against Port Adelaide. Picture: Morne de Klerk (Getty Images)

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EDDIE Betts was headlining his greatest hits show when Brodie Smith sent Adelaide crashing down back to earth.

Betts lit the fuse for his own 250-game celebration with five goals in a captivating Showdown few envisaged against plucky Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

It was 2014 All Australian Smith’s third concussion in a year that cast uncertainty at West Lakes just as Adelaide appeared on track for a top two finish with a healthy list.

Smith was accidentally collected in the head by Port’s Aaron Young in the second quarter following a marking contest. Smith lifted his head but was motioned to lay flat on the stretcher by medicos and took no further part in the game.

Going a man down for the Showdown was the least of Adelaide’s worries.

Smith has excelled across every game this season, but missed two weeks after a second concussion with St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt in Round 7 last season.

Adelaide already has defender Sam Shaw indefinitely sidelined due to the ongoing effects of concussion.

Don Pyke now must hope rest from next Friday’s crucial clash with West Coast and the bye round will have key half back Smith rock solid for the finals.

Smith had led Adelaide’s rebound 50s with 77 entering last night’s Showdown and Adelaide’s league leading forward line is served best when the 24-year-old tag teams with Rory Laird. Manning Smith and Laird is a headache rivals don’t want in September.

It was Betts who provided the joy either side of the Smith blow, answering constant Port onslaughts. Betts punished two Nathan Krakouer errors in the first term.

Adelaide owes Betts a debt of gratitude this season, leading the club goalkicking with 64 and pushing Josh Kennedy in the Coleman Medal race.

The determination on Betts’ face after his third goal signalled the significance of the result and occasion for player and club. The Crows were craving a possible minor premiership ahead of Sydney.

Betts’ fourth goal saw the indigenous great embrace the Southern and Western stands.

The Crows cult figure was sharing the adulation around a theatre that which now sports the spiritual “Eddie Betts pocket” on the northeastern pocket.