Exciting Crow Brodie Smith has been recognised for an impressive second season, receiving the Chairman’s Circle award for Emerging Talent.

Selected with Adelaide’s first pick (No.14 overall) in the 2010 AFL National Draft, Smith built on a promising debut (2011) season, in which he played 14 games.

The skilful wingman was recast as a defender under new coach Brenton Sanderson and defensive mentor Darren Milburn.

The quiet-achieving 20-year-old grew into the role as the season wore on; playing shutdown roles on stars such as Geelong forward Steve Johnson. He was also able to generate plenty of offensive run and carry, with his long-range goalkicking becoming a feature of his game.

“Last year was a stepping stone into this season. I felt a lot more comfortable at the level this year, and went down back and enjoyed my footy,” Smith said.

“I’d love to get back with ‘Campo’ (assistant coach Scott Camporeale) in the midfield, which is where I’ve always played my footy.

“But I really enjoyed it down back this year. All the boys helped me out. They gave me a spray when I stuffed something up but were quick to give me a pat on the back when I did something well.”

Smith announced his arrival on the AFL stage with a superb finals series.

In his first taste of September action, Smith was one of Adelaide’s best-performed players across the Club’s three finals.

This was highlighted in the Club Champion voting, where Smith polled more votes (13) in the finals than any other Crow, with the exception of veteran Michael Doughty (13) playing in his eighth and final September campaign.

“I don’t know how that happened,” Smith said of his finals form.

“I just loved being out there. The atmosphere was great. The intensity went up another level and luckily enough I was able to play alright.”

Smith finished the Best and Fairest count with 43 votes from 22 matches.