ADELAIDE Crows made an injury replacement signing today, picking up Dandenong Stingrays utility Brooke Smith to replace McKenzie Dowrick. The Crows pounced on the 19-year-old Victorian following a strong outing with the Under 23 All-Stars, where she was awarded the MVP from her side in the narrow win. In this article, we will take a look at what makes Smith such a valuable player and what she can add to the Crows’ lineup.

THROWBACK TO BROOKE SMITH’S DEBUT

 “Another first gamer, again having the courage to take it on from the half-back, that’s what we’re encouraging. If that’s her game, we want her to play that way. It’s going to be a very difficult job to go and see who we give votes to I can say that.” – Dandenong Stingrays coach Dave Carden after Smith’s first game against Eastern Ranges in Holm Park, Beaconsfield (Round 1, 2020).

2022 AFLW DRAFT PROFILE

Brooke Smith has been a player without much luck the last 12 months, having to overcome a long-term injury before featuring late in the NAB League Girls season. A natural footballer, Smith has impressive skills, decision making and speed which makes her an eye-catching player out of defence, whilst needing to improve her endurance and find more of the ball.

Brooke Smith has had a tough run through injury the last two seasons, managing just the six games for the Dandenong Stingrays, then coming through to play two of the three games for Vic Country at the AFLW Under 18 Championships. That durability might be a question mark for clubs in the upcoming AFLW Draft, but when she has been on the field, she has certainly caught the eye.

Smith is not a huge accumulator of the football, but is one of those players who catches the eye with every touch. The aforementioned injury setbacks have meant she has had less time to improve her endurance, which is still an area she needs to work on. Though her traits lend themselves to also being able to play through the middle, getting continuity in her football and being able to string plenty of games together will be important, as she showed enough in her six NAB League games and two championship games to earn an AFLW Draft Combine invite. Standing at 169cm, Smith is a good height to be able to play on talls or smalls, and is one of the quickest players who tested at the 2021 preseason combine.

Though unable to test ahead of the 2022 season due to injury, Smith clocked up a time inside the top 10 across league to show what she is capable of when at her best. Combine that blistering speed with her footy smarts and skills, and there is enough about Smith to suggest she has a bright future. Playing in defence, Smith positions herself well behind the ball, and though not a predominant marker, she wins the ball well and intercepts, moving well off half-back and disposing of it cleanly and effectively down the ground.

If Smith can build her endurance up and get a clean run at a preseason, then she could be a really valued selection.

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN 2023?

The main difference between 2023 and the previous two years is the fact Brooke Smith has been able to stay out on the park for the whole season. She has played a multitude of roles, but largely as a midfielder/forward with the Stingrays after being a half-back in previous years.

Playing in the forward half for the Stingrays, Smith booted seven goals this season, with her most recent appearance against the Rebels in Round 11 marking her seventh game of the season. That milestone surpasses her past two seasons (six games) while also increasing her averages across the board.

In 2023, Smith averaged 14.4 disposals, 1.9 marks, 3.1 inside 50s and 5.3 tackles for the Stingrays, earning a place in the Under 23 All-Stars and Vic Country trial squads.

Running out on Marvel Stadium, Smith was sent to defence, a throwback to her bottom-age seasons. There, she recorded 17 disposals, four marks, five tackles, two clearances, three inside 50s and eight rebound 50s running at an elite 88.2 per cent efficiency.

In the Vic Country trial, she played in the losing Vic Country White side, but as second best for her side, with 18 disposals – 66.7 per cent – two marks, three tackles, one clearance, four inside 50s and one rebound 50, again playing further afield.

2023 DRAFT PROFILE

Brooke Smith was the standout over-ager in the Victorian pool, and arguably across the nation. She was ranked 26th in our AFLW Draft Power Rankings last month, just landing outside the Top 25, but highlighted in the follow-up State-by-State article.

STRENGTHS:

– Skill
– Decision making
– Versatility
– Clean hands
– Footy IQ
– Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

– Endurance
– Further exposure

Brooke Smith was tracking to be a Top 30 prospect at the end of the year, so it makes sense the Crows have snapped her up. Given Dowrick is a player who can fill multiple roles, Smith is not much different. Though different body sizes in terms of strength, they have similar skill and natural footballing abilities.

When overlooked, clubs always look for improvements the following year, and Smith has built up her endurance further to spend more time on-ball than previously. Though she can still increase that further, and will benefit from continued exposure, her deficiencies have been developed in 2023.

Her upside is evident given she is a smooth-moving player with high skill and footy smarts, while standing at a medium 170cm to be able to play on talls or smalls given her athletic traits. Boasting clean hands and great decision making, she will almost always hit a target or put the ball into a dangerous position.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 20-30

SUMMARY

Brooke Smith is a player who Adelaide fans will enjoy watching, and for many who have seen her develop over the years, Smith has had a rotten run with injury. Now fit and firing, the Dandenong Stingrays over-ager deserves every chance at the big time, and has been given the opportunity to step up on the elite stage.