Adelaide's Brodie Smith to make AFL return

All Australian defender Brodie Smith will return to AFL ranks on Saturday after almost a year out with a knee injury.

Smith on Wednesday was told of his selection in Adelaide's side to meet arch foe Port Adelaide.

The defender has played two state league games in his return after a knee reconstruction, the result of being hurt in last year's finals series.

The Crows have posted vision on their website of Smith being welcomed back by coach Don Pyke.

The rebounding backman's return comes as no surprise to his teammates.

"I thought he was ready two months ago, the way he was zipping around at training and his intensity and the way he was kicking the ball and moving across the ground," onballer Bryce Gibbs told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's like he hadn't been injured.

"He's played some really good footy at SANFL level.

"And with what I've seen with his application to his training and his rehab over ... the last 12 months, I've got no doubt he'll be ready to go."

Smith's comeback is a fillip for the Crows, who know another loss this weekend officially puts them out of finals contention.

The 12th-placed Crows must win their remaining four games to have a chance of sneaking into the top eight.

Along with Smith, backman Tom Doedee (concussion), midfielder Richard Douglas (ankle) and utility David Mackay (ribs) are pressing for returns.

But wingman Paul Seedsman will be sidelined for at least two matches with a hamstring strain.