In a midfield which lacks speed and precise ball-use, as the past three weeks have proved, Brodie Smith’s skills are best used in the Crows’ forward-half

Brodie Smith was among the Crows best in a losing side on Friday night in a new role further up the ground. The Phantom asks, why has this move taken so long?

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There’s no question Adelaide is far-more dangerous with Brodie Smith winning the football forward-of-centre.

The only question is why did it take so long?

At his best, the 27-year-old is one of the most-damaging playmaking defenders in the competition.

His line-breaking run and foot skills can cut opposition zones to pieces.

But, despite the 21-point loss, as Friday night’s performance reaffirmed, in a midfield which lacked dash and some precise ball-use, Smith’s skills are best used in the Crows’ forward-half.

Smith, who started at the top of Adelaide’s forward-50 before pushing up the ground to appear at a number of centre bounces, found plenty of space through the middle of the ground to drive his side forward in the first-half.

Smith’s six inside-50s in the opening two quarters was a game-high.

Twice Smith, who won 58 per cent of his possession in the forward-half in this time, went too fast for his own good, picking out an Essendon defender.

But, more often than not, he was putting them under pressure.

AFL — Round 18 — Adelaide Crows v Essendon at Adelaide Oval. Brodie Smith celebrates his goal with Riley Knight. Picture: Sarah Reed

And when the Bombers let Adelaide’s best kick stroll passed Riley Knight outside 50 late in the second-term, Smith had a goal of his own to go with 350 metres gained.

All of this in Richard Douglas’ No. 26 jumper as a wardrobe malfunction meant the No. 33 didn’t appear at Adelaide Oval until half-time.

The long-kicking right-footer made it two as he gathered the footy 35 metres out from goal, straightened and booted the first major of the second-half.

Essendon dominated the third term to tie the game by the final chance but Smith continued to have an influence.

The former All-Australian had eight disposals for the quarter, as he played on wing, pushing back behind the ball to help out.

He was back at the top of the forward-50 to start the final quarter and his clean hands were on show as he helped drive Adelaide forward on the outer-wing following another Essendon goal through Zach Merrett.

Then, after a slick Eddie Betts handball, Smith put the Crows back in front with his third major from the scoreboard pocket.

But it was all Essendon after that, with Adelaide unable to match the Bombers’ run and speed on the outside — despite the best efforts of Smith, who finished with 31 disposals, 604 metres gained, eight score involvements, six inside 50s and three goals — in the second-half.

The first sign of this positional change was in Showdown 46 when coach Don Pyke surprised Port Adelaide by starting Smith inside-50.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA — JULY 06: Brodie Smith of the Crows flies during the 2019 AFL round 16 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at the Adelaide Oval on July 06, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

On that night, Smith won most of his possession forward-of-centre before being moved back into defence after half-time as the Power ran away with game.

Still, Smith finished with six inside 50s and a game-high 799 metres gained.

A week later against the Suns, Smith won 60 per cent of his possession in the forward-half and he was even more effective, recording a career-high four goal-assists, 11 score involvements and eight inside-50s — both the equal-second-highest tallies of his career.

“It’s been something we’ve been looking at trying to get those guys with a bit more dynamic speed, I guess, through the top of the forwardline,” Crows assistant coach Ben Hart said of Smith and Wayne Milera’s move into the middle following the win over the Suns.

“When they get their hands on the ball they like to run with it and break into some space, and they both kick the ball well.”

They sure do, but has the move come to late to help save the season?

That’s another question Crows fans will be asking themselves as they come to terms with another loss at home.