Adelaide key defender Mark Keane is set to stay put despite heavy interest from his former club Collingwood.
Keane – who was signed as a Category B rookie ahead of the 2019 season by the Pies – featured in five games in the black and white before departing back to Ireland during the COVID-19-impacted years.
However, as restrictions were lifted, the 24-year-old’s interest in returning to the AFL was piqued and the Crows swooped in on the available defender.
Keane has been a revelation under Matthew Nicks in 2024, becoming one of the premier defenders in the competition, and ranking sixth among key backs in intercept possessions.
As a result of his form, Collingwood was keen to bring him “home”, back to the AIA Centre following the retirement of Nathan Murphy, a void that needed filling.
However, Keane has put Adelaide at ease, saying on Channel 7 how much he loves where he is.
“Not growing up with the game and having a few options… it’s definitely flattering,” Keane said.
“I suppose it means that I’m going in the right direction.
EXCLUSIVE: In-demand defender Mark Keane has told 7NEWS his preference is to stay at West Lakes despite interest from his former club Collingwood. The 24-year-old says he would like to have his long-term future sorted sooner rather than later. @joshmoney__ #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/2O06lY7dsd
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) July 17, 2024
“I absolutely love the (Crows), love the city and it’s a great place to live.
“Hopefully one day it (new contract) will get done sooner rather than later but we’ll have to wait and see until the end of the season.”
After narrowly missing the finals in 2023, Keane and the Crows were unable to back it up in 2024 despite most pundits having them return to September action for the first time since 2017.
In the past three weeks, Adelaide has recorded two wins against GWS and St Kilda while going dow to the in-form Brisbane by 11 points.
