Adelaide re-signs James Borlase and Hugh Bond as 2025 list takes shape
A pair of promising defenders have signed on at Adelaide, but a number of Crows remain in limbo as the club prepares for a bumper trade period.
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Developing defenders James Borlase and Hugh Bond will stay in Adelaide colours after signing new deals.
Key back Borlase has inked a two-year contract, after playing 10 games this season as the 22-year-old continued to grow as a tall option for Matthew Nicks.
Bond broke into the Crows side late in 2024, earning a tagging job on Essendon star Zach Merrett in just his second game, and played the final seven games of the season.
Still just 19, Bond signed a one-year deal for 2025, as he works to bed down a spot as a defensive stopper.
Uncapped youngsters Charlie Edwards and Oscar Ryan also signed one-year contracts.
Borlase said he thought he took a step forward in 2024.
“I’ve obviously still got a way to go but I feel like I’ve improved my game,” he said.
“I’ve worked hard and got an opportunity to play some AFL this year, so had a bit of a chance to prove myself, and I’m very thankful the club has rewarded me with another contract.
“I love the club, we have a great group coming through, I’ve seen how well we can play when we all play at our best, so I’m really looking forward to what the next couple of years holds.”
A number of Crows are still waiting on new deals, including Will Hamill, Lachlan Gollant, Ned McHenry, Paddy Parnell and Chris Burgess.
Free agent Elliott Himmelberg is weighing up his options, with interest from Gold Coast.
Defender Mark Keane denied Collingwood interest to ink a new deal earlier this week.
Following a disappointing 2024, the Crows are due to be busy in the trade period and should secure Alex Neal-Bullen from Melbourne.
Adelaide has been heavily linked to Gold Coast’s Jack Lukosius and GWS rebounder Isaac Cumming.
Originally published as Adelaide re-signs James Borlase and Hugh Bond as 2025 list takes shape
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