All Australian backman Brodie Smith says the addition of Kyle Cheney could help him secure a permanent spot in Adelaide’s midfield next season.
Smith, 22, was drafted by Adelaide as a midfielder with the Club’s first-round pick in 2010. But the long-kicking Crow quickly made a name for himself as one of the most damaging half-back flankers in the competition.
In the absence of experienced duo Brent Reilly and Ricky Henderson, Smith became Adelaide’s preferred avenue out of defence for much of 2014.
He placed second in the AFL for rebound 50ms and metres gained, and ranked top three at the Club for marks, effective kicks and handball receives.
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But Smith also showed he could match it with the best in the middle.
He made an immediate impact as an onballer/wingman during Adelaide’s Round 12 clash with Fremantle, and starred with 34 possessions and a goal in the Club’s final round win over St Kilda.
Smith says Adelaide’s move to trade in medium-sized defender Cheney could see his role change next season.
“Every year I’ve tried to push myself into the midfield and then I get swung back once Round One comes around,” Smith said on FIVEaa.
“But I’ll play wherever the team needs me to play.”
At 187cm and 90kg, Smith said 24-year-old Cheney would add great versatility to the Crows’ backline.
“Getting Kyle was a big plus for us,” Smith said.
“I think he’s got a bit more strength than me by the looks of things.”
With the retirement of full back Ben Rutten and a long-term knee injury to key tall Andy Otten, Adelaide could field a largely new-look back six in 2015.
Kyle Hartigan is back to full training after he suffered a heavy knock in a late-season SANFL clash and will be in the frame for Round One selection.
Smith also named Josh Jenkins and James Podsiadly as other options who could shore up Adelaide’s defence when required.
“Those two guys kind of played a bit of a ‘swingman’ role this year.
“But I think their best footy is probably up forward. When they’re up and going, they’re really important for us.”
Smith will join Patrick Dangerfield as the pair fly out to Perth on Saturday to compete for Australia in the 2014 International Rules Series against Ireland.
It will be Smith’s maiden appearance in the hybrid game, while Dangerfield was previously selected in Australia’s 2010 team.
“It should be really good, I’m looking forward to it,” Smith said.
“I just want to learn as much as I can from them while I’m there.
“It’ll be a really good experience.”
