Adelaide defender Brodie Smith is expected to make a quick recovery from the illness that saw him rested after half-time in Sunday's two-point NAB Challenge loss to Fremantle.

Smith had eight possessions and a goal to his name before a stomach bug worsened.

The 24-year-old had complained about feeling sick before the game but tried to play through it.

Teammate Rory Laird predicted Smith would soon be back into full training.

"I sat next to him on the bus, [he] came back all right so I think it just sort of came along real late," Laird said.

"He just said he was starting crook just before the game… he must have just got worse as the game went on, the heat etcetera.

"I reckon he'll be right in a couple of days and I'm sure he'll be back at training within the next couple of days."


NAB Challenge match report: Crows v Dockers

The Crows were again able to move the ball quickly on Sunday, as they did against West Coast a week before.

Laird played a key role in that movement – the running defender was superb again with a game-high 29 possessions at almost 90 per cent efficiency.

Given Fremantle's reputation for outstanding defence, Laird said it was a great sign for the Club's game plan that it was able to consistently find ways past the Dockers.

"We showed a fair few glimpses of what we've been working on over the summer – ball movement was a big thing that we went to the game with," he said.

"We really took the game on through the corridor with hands.

"They've been known as a really good defensive side the last couple of years so for us to go out there and do that and move the ball pretty well was definitely positive signs."

The Crows now have an extended break before taking on Gold Coast in their final NAB Challenge game on March 11.

Laird said the side would train hard late this week before beginning a normal build-up next week.