ADELAIDE has re-signed talented defender Brodie Smith for a further two seasons, tying him to the club until the end of 2016.
A stellar finals campaign in 2012 had the 22-year-old threatening to break out last year, but a broken collarbone suffered on the eve of the season set him back.
Smith's form has been outstanding though in the Crows' opening two games of 2014 and he was one of the side's best in its 55-point loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday, collecting 28 possessions and booting a goal.
The smooth-moving defender said he was determined to pay the club back for sticking by him.
"They have been good to me and my family," Smith said.
“It hasn’t been a perfect start to the season, but the boys are keen to make amends for the past couple of weeks."
Crows list manager David Noble said Smith had become one of the side's most important players.
“Brodie has already forged a reputation as a big-game performer,” Noble said.
“Going forward, we seem him becoming a key part of our talented midfield group.
“We are always keen to develop and foster local talent and Brodie is a perfect example of that.”
Noble also suggested Smith's re-signing could be the first in several contract extensions at West Lakes.
“The club is talking with several other players about contract extensions, and more announcements are on the horizon,” he said.
