Ball is now in Adelaide’s court, Alex Keath’s agent says about contract talks
Adelaide Crows now have to decide whether to offer out-of-contract key defender Alex Keath a new deal for 2020 and beyond.
THE ball is now in the Adelaide Crows’ corner as to the future of Alex Keath.
The Crows’ key defender who has had a breakout year, and is off-contract at the end of the year amid rumoured interest from interstate clubs.
The 27-year-old Victorian has told the Crows he is happy in Adelaide and his preference is to re-sign with the club.
It will come down to the length and value of any new contract for Keath.
His agent Neil McMullin from OMP Sports Management told The Advertiser discussions between the two parties were “relaxed and comfortable” but the ball was now in the Crows court.
“I’m just waiting for Justin Reid (Crows list manager) to get back to me,” he told The Advertiser.
“It is up to Adelaide for their next move.”
When contacted by The Advertiser a Crows spokesman said “our club does not provide a running commentary on individual contract negotiations”.
“However we acknowledge and appreciate the interest and we will provide an update to our members and supporters at an appropriate time.”
Keath has been a revelation in defence this season and is in All-Australian contention after completing his transition from cricket to AFL football. Keath went into this season unsure of his spot in the side but has played every game.
He also added his name to the honour board winning the Showdown Medal in the Crows’ 20-point win over Port Adelaide in May.
This career-best season for the Crows has peaked the interest of clubs such as Melbourne, with speculation that he could be in line to command at least $600,000 on the free agency market.
It would cap a stunning rise for the 29-game player, who has risen from a Category B rookie to one of the first on the team-msheet at West Lakes.
Keath played professional cricket for Victoria and the Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash before entering footy with the Crows.
He is one of a number of key Adelaide players yet to sign a contract beyond this season.
Midfielder/forward Hugh Greenwood, defender Jake Kelly and small forward Riely Knight are all yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at West Lakes.
Greenwood has told the club he wants to stay but last week told The Advertiser’s footy podcast The Lowdown, his management was exploring options in case a Crows deal did not eventuate.
Senior coach Don Pyke has said Keath, Greenwood and O’Brien are “required players”.
Richard Douglas and Sam Jacobs are other Crows coming out of contract this season, last week Adelaide assistant coach Ben Hart insisted the veterans’ papers had not been stamped.