Crows pair Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee have had their share of challenges in the past two years, sidelined by devastating ACL injuries in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

But now, as the newest additions to Adelaide’s leadership group, the pair have credited their shared experiences for making them the leaders they are today.

“My year out of the game with an ACL was huge for me and I put a lot of work into my leadership,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday.

“I couldn’t get out on the field, I couldn’t train, so I had to find ways to impact the group so I looked at how I could help younger guys.

“That was the year Wayne Milera moved into the half-back role too so I was helping him, and just seeing how I could give to others.”

Just three games into Smith’s return from injury at the end of 2018, Doedee suffered the same fate in the opening round of 2019.

Despite his devastation, the emerging defender made the most of time out of the game, taking on a coaching role with the Crows’ SANFL side.

“I was working with the younger boys - particularly defenders like (Jordon) Butts, (Lachlan) Sholl and (Will) Hamill,” Doedee said.

“I learnt a lot from Smithers during his rehab about how to go about it and still be a part of the team and tried to channel that into this year.”

A year on, the 22-year-old became the youngest member in the Crows leadership group.

“I was honoured (to become a leader), especially coming off the year I had,” Doedee said.

“To be able to still influence the group to the point that they felt comfortable voting me in, I was filled with pride.”

As for their leadership styles, Smith and Doedee will bring different elements to the table.

Known for his humour and laid back personality, Smith said his approachability was one of his key strengths as a leader.

“It can be pretty stressful around a footy club, especially in Adelaide where there’s high expectations,” Smith said.

“If I can help guys and make people better and have fun doing it, then I’ll try my best to do that.

“I’ll still be pranking guys like the Rat, don’t worry.”

For Doedee, driving positivity among the group was paramount.

“(My leadership style) is more about energy and positivity - trying to always keep a smile going,” he said.

“Also keep developing my relationships with the younger boys as well as with the older boys so we keep progressing their careers as well as mine.”

The pair joined Tom Lynch and Matt Crouch in a five-man leadership group under sole captain Rory Sloane.