IN SOME respects, Adelaide's two newest leaders are chalk and cheese.

Brodie Smith, 28, doesn't take himself too seriously, keeps the mood light-hearted around the club and loves playing pranks on his teammates.

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On the other hand, Tom Doedee has a maturity level beyond his age (22) and analyses the game thoroughly.

But besides playing in the same half of the ground, the defenders also share the experience of suffering torn ACLs.

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Smith used his enforced stint on the sidelines in 2018 to become a better leader.

"My year out of the game with the ACL, I worked really hard on my leadership and what that looks like in terms of helping others," Smith said.

"I couldn't get out on the field, I couldn't train, so I had to find a way to impact the group.

"I looked at how I could help younger guys."

Smith and Doedee have been elevated to the Crows' leadership group for the first time, alongside Tom Lynch and Matt Crouch.

The quartet is supporting skipper Rory Sloane, with no vice-captain appointed.

Doedee tore his ACL in round one last year, putting a handbrake on a career that looked set to flourish after a breakout 2018 season which included playing 20 senior games and finishing runner-up in the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Smith's challenges a year earlier inspired the intercepting defender as he strived to contribute to the group in different ways during his own layoff.

"I learnt a lot from 'Smithers' about how to go about it and still be part of the team," Doedee said.

"Especially early days, you're sitting on the couch thinking what's to come in the coming few months.

"He's given me advice that helped me get through those early stages and a bit of a light to look to and realise where my next steps are and how I'm going to get back playing as quick as I can.

Doedee used his time out to mentor the club's young defenders in the Crows' SANFL team last year.

He will continue to develop his relationships with the younger players, while Smith will look to strike the balance between having fun and switching on when required as part of his leadership role.

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"At times, it can be pretty stressful around footy clubs, especially in Adelaide with expectations around the team," Smith said.

"I don't like to take too much too seriously, so I'll try and bring some enjoyment to it, but there's going to be times when we're going to have to knuckle down.

"I'll just try and be myself.

"If I can help guys along the way and make people better and have fun, I'll try my best to do that."

Doedee's aim is to play in the round one clash with Sydney at Adelaide Oval.

"The knee's feeling good, just need to keep progressing into match simulation and into three weeks of training and then look at the Marsh Community Series from there," Doedee said.

"I'm doing everything except for the full intensity stuff, then I go to the side and do the same intensity and contact, just in a more controlled environment with the physios, so I'm just about there."

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