He’s just signed for three more years, but Brodie Smith has got his eyes on a bigger prize: reclaiming the midfield from Rory Laird. 

Despite the duo’s well-documented bromance, Smith did not pull any punches with a tongue-in-cheek dig over his position on the ground. 

“I’ll just make it clear that Lairdy didn’t take my spot, I needed to go to half-back to help out,” Smith said. 

The Crows No. 33 hoped a trio of exciting youngsters looking for a run around the back could be his golden ticket back to the midfield. 

“Hingey (Mitch Hinge) has come across now and looks really good at half-back, Will Hamill’s going to take another step up, and Andy McPherson,” he said. 

“We’ve got some really good runners there who can play that running half-back role which could give me the flexibility to push more for mid or wing spots.”

But Smith’s midfield push comes with one clear objective.

“I’ll try my best to get in there [the midfield] and kick Lairdy out,” he said. 

After missing just one game in the past two seasons, Smith said he was excited for what was to come in 2021 and beyond. 

The 28-year-old said the challenges of last year had given him faith in the up-and-comers and future of the club. 

“Over the next three or four years I’m really confident that we’re gonna be really, really successful,” he said. 

“I wanna help [players like] Will Hamill and Lachie Sholl get through and become All Australian players, and have a lot of success for them.”

Smith was set to come out of contract at the end of 2021, but will now be at West Lakes until at least 2024. 

“It was a very proud moment for myself and my family… (the contract) takes me to 32, which more than likely makes me a one-club player,” he said.