Crows’ first-class passage

ADELAIDE will enjoy an eight-day break into a potential grand final, after the AFL released its schedule for the rest of the finals series.

As minor premiers and qualifying final winners, the Crows will enjoy the greatest advantage as they seek to play in a first grand final since 1998.

They have been scheduled to play on Friday night at Adelaide Oval against the winners of next week’s second semifinal between Geelong and Sydney.

They will have to do it, though, without Brodie Smith who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on Thursday night.

Smith will miss 10-12 months if he undergoes a traditional knee reconstruction or he could feature next season if he opts for LARS surgery.