Adelaide Crows youngster Dan Curtin pledges future to club after earning Rising Star nomination

Adelaide youngster Dan Curtin has been linked with an eventual return to Western Australia ever since joining the club – but there’s good news for Crows fans.

Versatile Adelaide youngster Dan Curtin has pledged his long-term future to the Crows as he heads towards a contract extension.

Curtin, the club’s top draft selection from 2023, has another year to run on his deal but his manager is in talks with the club to tie him down beyond that.

Re-signing the 20-year-old will be a coup for Adelaide, given rumours have linked him with an eventual return home to Western Australia since not long after arriving.

Discussions are understood to have just started and are said to be progressing well.

Curtin has played every game this season for the third-placed Crows, getting rewarded with a Rising Star nominee for round 13.

“I’m talking to my manager at the moment and we’re trying to sort something out,” Curtin told this masthead.

“He’s in talks with the club at the moment so just waiting.

“I definitely want to be at the Crows long-term.”

Dan Curtin has received the Rising Star nomination for round 13. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Curtin said he paid little attention to speculation suggesting he might want to head back to WA.

“I don’t buy into that much at all,” said the left-footer, who lived with teammates Hugh Bond and Zac Taylor.

“I’ve got family coming over all the time and I’m absolutely loving life in Adelaide.

“I love the group we’ve got, it’s super young but I get along with the older boys too.”

Curtin earnt his nomination after laying a career-high six tackles and recording 14 disposals, playing on a wing in the five-point home win over Brisbane last Friday night.

“They mentioned it before we ran out on track today, so it was a nice, little surprise,” he said.

“Everyone was stoked for me so it was a good day.

“It’s a great achievement and does show the hard work from my pre-season until now.

“But I wouldn’t be able to get it without my teammates.”

Dan Curtin celebrates a goal with Ben Keays against Brisbane. Picture by Mark Brake/Getty Images

Curtin had to wait until round 8 last year to make his debut, was subbed off in his first two matches then returned to the SANFL for the next two months.

He was recalled for the final five matches, boosting his confidence ahead of pre-season.

Having already spent time in defence, midfield and forward at Adelaide, Curtin has shifted to a wing in recent games where his 197cm height and marking prowess are becoming weapons.

He has taken 21 marks over the past three weeks – all Crows wins.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever played wing but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

“The club was pleased with how I was running and thought I was up to the role.

“Last year was definitely a huge learning year about what it takes to play at the level.

“I thought I did the work in pre-season so to be where I am now, I’m pretty stoked.”

Originally published as Adelaide Crows youngster Dan Curtin pledges future to club after earning Rising Star nomination