Schmidt, who was selected by the Brisbane Lions with pick 34 of the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, cut ties with the club at the end of 2008, only managing two games.
But Adelaide answered his SOS, rookie-listing the youngster, originally from West Adelaide, in 2009.
Schmidt then endured a wretched run with injuries, with his season prematurely ending last year due to a shoulder reconstruction, after he had made a successful return from osteitis pubis earlier that year.
While disappointed with the 16-point loss to Melbourne, Schmidt saw plenty of positives from the team’s performance.
“Obviously the result was a little bit disappointing but I think as a team we played well and fought hard so that is always positive,” he told afl.com.au.
With the Crows having no fresh players off the interchange in the final quarter, it was a tough initiation for Schmidt in his first AFL game in two years.
“The fatigue level was coming into play but everyone was still fighting hard - everyone gave it their all.”
With his first game for the Crows, the 21 year-old is hopeful his body can stay together as he looks to cement a position in the Adelaide side.
“I’ve had a rough run [but] hopefully the body now stays together - touch wood,” he said.
“I’m fit and strong and ready to go.”
