ADELAIDE defender Brodie Smith is on track to play his first competitive game of football in more than 10 months after a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old – who has been sidelined since rupturing the ACL in his right knee in last year's qualifying final against Greater Western Sydney – could return for the Crows' SANFL game against Central District on Saturday.

Smith will need to get through Wednesday's training session before a final decision is made, but he has returned to full training in the past few weeks.

"I think Brodie's really close this week," Crows defender Jake Kelly told AFL.com.au.

"We've got main training tomorrow so we'll see how he goes."

Smith would need a few games in the SANFL before being considered for senior selection.

With the Crows sitting 11th on the ladder at 8-8 with six rounds remaining, Smith could return in time for the run into the finals.

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Smith – who has played 143 games for the Crows since debuting in 2011 – is known for his long kicking, ability to break lines from half-back and taking the game on.

But Kelly said that Smith's defensive work can often go unnoticed.

"He's a quality player," Kelly said.

"What he provides is he's a Paul Seedsman role off half-back, but I think what's also under-rated is his defensive ability.

"Some of his efforts last year, when he would run back with the flight and get a spoil, it goes a bit unnoticed because his offensive stuff takes all the press.

"He's very under-rated as a defender as well."

Smith stayed involved with the Crows during last year's finals series.

He also took on a coaching position with the SA under-18 side this year during his rehab, helping out the defenders on the way to winning the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

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"The way he's approached his rehab is so positive," Kelly said.

"I know that gets thrown around a fair bit, but it's pretty incredible that a guy …. I can't imagine how he would've been mentally, doing his knee in a final where we were up, and having to come to the Grand Final on game day and still have such a positive attitude and outlook and still have time to support me and support the other backs, giving us advice and giving us feedback.

"It just shows a selfless man and someone who's all for this team.

"It's very inspiring, what he's done."