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.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.
Catch all the ICC T20 World Cup action live & exclusive to Fox Cricket, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today.
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.
“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.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Adelaide, Port Adelaide off-season news: Ben Keays signs on for another two years at Crows
Eddie shares dirty secret over AFL storms
Eddie McGuire has claimed there would have been an unexpected response from the AFL after watching its finals series derailed.
Three clubs who could pounce after Blue told to pursue trade
With several clubs looking for midfield depth, Matt Kennedy is set to spark interest from several of Carlton’s rivals. JOSH BARNES names the clubs who could be in the mix.