Tom Doedee has embraced the silver linings of leading from a distance in 2020.

The young defender was added to the leadership group in January as he looked to return to football following an ACL rupture in 2019.

With the season put on hold due to COVID-19, Doedee took the chance to fine-tune his body and become closer with his teammates.

“You forget how much you read on body language (but) you can still get most of the same effect on zoom,” Doedee told The Optus Crows Show.

“It’s about trying to lead the young blokes and create a culture, develop relationships.

“Ayce Taylor, a rookie who just came over, I could call him for a chat and learn about his family, where he comes on… since there was no footy to talk about.”

00:42

Optus Crows Show: Sunday 12pm on 7

Footy is back and the Optus Crows Show is taking a look back at the week that was - this Sunday at midday on 7.

Doedee was added to the leadership group this year alongside Crows midfielder Brodie Smith.

“I think someone like Smithers, who had built that respect over his time at the Club, it was almost as if he was part of the group already, just without the label,” he said.

Following the injury in Round One, 2019, Doedee was hopeful of a return against Sydney in March, but suffered a minor setback in his rehabilitation.

“To have that setback so close to Round One was gut-wrenching,” he said.

“(But) being able to go home, even just play board games or watch a movie with family, it’s something you don’t really get to do.”

08:38

Smith & Doedee Presser Jan 22

Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee talk to the media about being appointed to the Leadership group for 2020.

Also on The Optus Crows Show this week, AFLW Club Champion Anne Hatchard discusses her big season and young forward Ben Davis describes his bizarre second AFL match.

The Optus Crows Show airs on Channel 7 on Sunday, 12pm (ACST) in Adelaide.

Interstate fans can catch the full episode on afc.com.au shortly after.