Brodie Smith has been named in Mike Sheahan’s Top 50 list for the first time following the defender’s breakout 2014 season.

The skilful 22-year-old was ranked No.37 in Sheahan’s famous post-season list ahead of fellow backmen Grant Birchall (38) and Nick Smith (39).

Smith, who was not rated in Sheahan’s pre-season Top 50, led the competition for long kicks (136) and was second in the AFL for rebound 50ms (109) and metres gained (12,131m) this season.

He played all 22 matches for the Crows and ranked inside Adelaide’s top three for marks, effective kicks and handball receives in what was an outstanding season for the dashing defender.

Alongside Daniel Talia, Smith was rewarded with his first-ever All Australian blazer last month and was honoured in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 team, again with Talia.

Smith also finished fourth in the Crows Club Champion award to cap off his stellar 2014 season.

The remainder of Sheahan’s list will be revealed in sections over the coming weeks.

Mike Sheahan’s Top 50 – Players 31-40

31. Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
32. Alex Rance (Richmond)
33. Dayne Beams (Collingwood)
34. Dustin Martin (Richmond)
35. Tom Hawkins (Geelong)
36. David Mundy (Fremantle)
37. Brodie Smith (Adelaide)
38. Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)
39. Nick Smith (Sydney)
40. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)