Adelaide‘s rebuild has taken a big step forward with midfielder Ben Keays agreeing to a two-year contract extension.
Keays, who was under contract for one more season, will now remain with the Crows until the end of 2024.
After he was delisted by Brisbane at the end of 2019, Keays was handed an AFL lifeline last season before quickly emerging as a vital piece of coach Matthew Nicks’ rebuild by finishing fifth in Adelaide’s club champion award.
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The 24-year-old midfielder backed up his breakout season last year by going even better in 2021 to finish runner-up this year to Rory Laird for the Malcolm Blight Medal.
Keays fell short of the club champion award by just three votes.
“Ben arrived at the club with the right attitude of wanting to work hard and earn his spot in the team and that’s been evident in the football he has played,” Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said.
“He has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches which has been recognised in best-and-fairest voting in both seasons he’s been with us and the improvement he has shown makes us excited for what’s still to come.
“He’s reliable, works hard and we are very pleased that he has recommitted to the club until at least the end of 2024.”
Keays averaged 28 disposals and played in every game for the club this season.
The Crows haven’t played finals football since 2017 when they went down to Richmond in the AFL Grand Final that season.
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In other AFL signing news, Collingwood’s Mason Cox signed a new one-year deal earlier today.
“We are pleased to be in a position to retain Mason for another season,” Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright said.
“We know Mason can play a number of roles for us. Players capable in the ruck and up forward offer great versatility to a team.”
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