2009 season:
Brad Symes’ 2009 started badly when he fell off the back of a moving vehicle after a training session in January. He broke his left thumb and right wrist and had to train with both arms in plaster for most of February and March. He missed the first two AFL rounds this year and then spent a further fortnight back in the SANFL in April before holding his Crows spot for the rest of the season. He was praised by Crows coach Neil Craig for his attitude to training and his response to missing AFL selection and on Club Champion night his hard work was recognised with the Best Team Man award. Symes said he maintained a belief in his ability to regain his place in the team after the early setback. “As I got closer to playing again those thoughts (not playing) did start going through my head,” Symes said. “A lot of the younger boys played well over the pre-season and in the first few rounds, but I enjoyed my time here last year and had faith that if I did the right things the club would look after me again.” Symes played 20 games this season. He averaged 21 disposals and finished fifth at the club for tackles with 67.

David Noble’s 2009 review:
“Symesy continued to improve his footy this year. He was going along okay, but after he got dropped he found that hunger again to go to the next level. Brad has become an important part of the midfield group and in particular playing on the wing. Now that Symesy has achieved that he should be motivated to go into pre-season and see what else he can do.”

Career:
Drafted by Port Adelaide at pick 30 in the 2003 draft, Symes played one game in 2004 but struggled for opportunity at Port until 2006, when he played 12 games and earned a rising star nomination. He again found himself out of Port Adelaide’s 22 in 2007 despite good form for Central District in the SANFL. He was called into the side for Port’s losing Grand Final but only weeks later found himself at Adelaide via trade week. Symes played 16 games for the Crows in 2008. He rotated through the midfield and defence and despite missing seven games in the middle of the season after a serious ankle injury, Symes produced one of his best seasons at AFL level.