Brodie Smith made his highly anticipated return to football in the latter half of the 2018 season.

After suffering a heartbreaking ACL rupture in the 2017 Qualifying Final win over Greater Western Sydney, Smith was ruled out of the game for 12 months.

But the defender’s meticulous approach to his rehab saw him return less than a year after sustaining the injury.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: An open letter from Brodie Smith

He took to the field for the first time 317 days later in the Crows SANFL side and did not miss a beat.

The attacking half-back averaged 28.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, five inside 50s and 3.5 rebound 50s across his two games in the SANFL, looking a class above.

With two polished performances under his belt, Smith returned to the senior side in a thrilling Showdown 45 as Adelaide won the game by three points.

The following week, he showcased exactly what the Crows had missed all year with 29 disposals, six marks, six rebound 50s and a team-high 599 metres gained against GWS.

WATCH: Smith’s return to AFL

At a glance (AFL):

Games: 2
Disposals per game: 21.5
Marks per game: 5
Tackles per game: 3.5
Rebound 50s per game: 3

At a glance (SANFL):

Games: 2
Disposals per game: 28.5
Marks per game: 7.5
Inside 50s per game: 5
Rebound 50s per game: 3.5

Best game:

Round 21 v Greater Western Sydney

Smith had an outstanding performance in his second AFL game after a knee reconstruction.

Against the Giants, he finished with 29 disposals, six marks, four tackles, six rebound 50s, 14 contested possessions and a team-high 599 metres gained to claim a Brownlow vote in a losing side.

Post-game, coach Don Pyke praised the defender.

“It was good for him to get back, I’m just rapt for Brodie after coming off 12 months and a knee recon, to be able to come back and play AFL footy this season which is what he wanted to do,” he said.

“To play like he did tonight was another positive step for him… that’s what we know he’s been capable of bringing and obviously we missed that throughout the season.”