Perfect reply to Hawthorn downer as Adelaide Crows defender Brodie Smith bounces back against Carlton at MCG

BRODIE Smith has revealed how a stinging appraisal of his game against Hawthorn lit the fuse for a best afield performance in Adelaide’s gritty triumph against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Hard at it ... Brodie Smith winst he ball ahead of Carlton’s Liam Sumner. Picture: Scott Barbour (AFL Media/Getty Images)

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BRODIE Smith has revealed how a stinging appraisal of his game against Hawthorn lit the fuse for a best afield performance in Adelaide’s gritty triumph against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Smith was troubled by his 20-touch output and defensive game in Adelaide’s upset loss to Hawthorn, which saw rivals Ricky Henderson, Shaun Burgoyne and Ryan Burton cut loose.

Smith slotted the visitors’ second goal against Carlton on Saturday, amassed 30 touches and five inside 50s providing the run and rebound synonymous with any Adelaide win.

“It was a bit of a challenging week for myself,” Smith said.

“I got a bit of feedback after last week’s game and really wanted to respond.”

“I wasn’t happy with the way I performed the week before. I had a big emphasis on defending well and thought I was able to do that.

“We have games reviews every week but knew within in myself I wasn’t happy with the way I performed so was happy to perform and get a good win.”

Smith said overcoming the Blues’ defensive wall was critical for Adelaide’s development in a season where it has won easily or folded.

“This season we haven’t been able to get it done it done in tight games when it is not going our way,” said 190cm, 133-game star Smith.

“To get a close win is a good confidence booster.”

“They got numbers behind the ball so it was hard to get the ball back off them which was pretty frustrating.

“Credit to the boys we able stay in the contest and fight out a win.”

Western Bulldogs’ premiership defence will be on the line in Adelaide on Friday night after falling short against West Coast at Etihad Stadium. Luke Beveridge’s side is teetering with a 7-7 win loss compared to Adelaide’s 10-4 record.

“It is going to be massive, we really want to play well against the Bulldogs. They didn’t get the result against West Coast so will be disappointed and looking to get back at us,” said Smith.

“They will be fired up and it will be another tough game.”