Adelaide Crows re-sign defender Josh Worrell until the end of 2027

Josh Worrell’s 8-12 week injury has not stopped Adelaide from handing the defender a fresh contract extension. See the details of the deal here.

Josh Worrell in the hands of trainers. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Adelaide has moved swiftly to secure the future of injured defender Josh Worrell, who signed a two-year extension this week.

Worrell fractured his forearm in the draw against Brisbane, which required surgery and will keep him sidelined for the next 8-12 weeks.

Despite the setback, the promising young defender inked a two-year deal, on top of his current contract that expires at the end of 2025, through to the end of 2027.

The 23-year old said the taste of premiership success kept him at the Crows.

“I’m obviously disappointed to be missing the next few months but it’s not the end of the world and I’ll be back before we know it,” he said.

Josh Worrell may be injured, but he’s a happy Crow after signing a fresh extension.

“I’m loving my footy here and the young backline we have at the Club.

“I’d love to taste the ultimate success with this group in the future so I’m looking forward to continuing the work we’ve started.”

Worrell was drafted with the 28th pick in the 2019 draft, and has played 26 games for the Crows.

He had featured in every game so far this season, however will not be sighted at any level for at least two months.

Adelaide list manager Justin Reid said Worrell had earned the faith the club had put in him to be a stable member of the club’s defensive structure.

“The injury has come at such an unfortunate time because Josh was in great form and has looked more confident at AFL level with every game,” he said.

Worrell’s career at Adelaide is just getting started. Picture: Getty Images

“But these things happen in footy unfortunately and Josh will begin his rehab next week.

“He had to bide his time after coming into the system and worked really hard to put himself in a position that when his opportunity at AFL level came, he was ready for it.

“He is super competitive which is obviously very important for a defender, is good overhead and has a damaging left-foot kick which compliments our defensive group nicely.

“And only 26 games into his career there is a lot of improvement still to come so we are excited for what the future holds.”

Adelaide will face Collingwood on Saturday at the MCG.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows re-sign defender Josh Worrell until the end of 2027