Adelaide, Port Adelaide off-season news: Ben Keays signs on for another two years at Crows

Picked up from the Brisbane Lions a couple of seasons ago, Crows midfielder Ben Keays has continued his rags-to-riches ascendancy with a super new deal.

Ben Keays has signed a two-year contract extension at West Lakes.

Adelaide gave the 24-year-old a chance after he was delisted by Brisbane at the end of 2019 and Keays has paid this back in spades.

He has become an integral part of the Crows midfield, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances and six tackles in 2021.

This resulted in a second place showing in the Crows Malcolm Blight Medal, following on from his fifth place in 2020.

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Ben Keays has been a real revelation since join the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed

Keays was due to come out of contract at the end of next year, but so impressed were the Crows with him that they struck early to ensure he remains at West Lakes.

Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said Keays had shown his hunger and work ethic from the moment he arrived at the Crows.

“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,” he said.

“He has earnt 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.

The Crows continue to be impressed with his progress.

Keays has really come on his move to Adelaide.

“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 said he was pleased to re-sign well in advance of when his contract was set to expire.

“I really believe we have a special group, we have so many guys motivated to get the best out of themselves and it’s great to be a part of,” he said.

“To basically build from the ground up over the last two seasons, the journey is going to be very rewarding.”