Collingwood cop new blow after brutal AFL season as major trade target rejects Magpies

The Adelaide Crows star has snubbed Collingwood in a hit to the club.

Sports Reporter

Tue, 10 Sept 2024, 3:01 am·3-min read

Collingwood and Craig McRae have been hit with a fresh blow after Irish star Mark Keane rejected an offer to link-up with the Magpies. The Magpies were looking to bring Keane back to Collingwood after spending time at the club in both the 2020 and 2021 AFL seasons.

Keane went home during the Covid-19 pandemic and didn't return until the 2023 season where he played five games for Adelaide. He then went on to feature 21 times this year and was one of the shining lights in defence, despite being on a low-based contract.

Collingwood and Craig McRae (pictured left) have missed out on the signing of Irish star Mark Keane (pictured right) who has re-signed with the Crows. (Getty Images)

Keane averaged nearly 17 disposals and five marks a game for the Crows. And his displays prompted the attention of Collingwood. He was previously on a low-based contract until 2025, which had the Magpies keen to lure him to Collingwood and boost his deal.

However, in a brutal snub for Collingwood, the Crows moved to secure Keane on a three-year extension through to the end of 2028. Keane has shown just how important he is to the Adelaide outfit and Crows list manager Justin Reid praised him as a pivotal player in the backline.

"We couldn't be more pleased with what Mark has brought to our club over the past two seasons," Reid said in the announcement. "He is a great teammate and a ruthless competitor, and this year took his game to a new level as a key member of our backline.

"We see him as an important part of our future and are obviously thrilled that he's extended his contract with us until 2028." Keane was also thrilled with his contract extension.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Jai Newcombe of the Hawks competes with Mark Keane of the Crows during the 2024 AFL Round 20 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on July 28, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Mark Keane thrilled to re-sign for Crows

Keane admitted he felt at home in Adelaide since joining the Crows and was to continue the partnership with his teammates. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Crows and although it’s only been two seasons I’ve created a great bond with the players and staff at the Club, as well as the people of Adelaide and our fans,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve come a long way and taken my opportunities and hopefully there is a lot of improvement to come in the next four years, so I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates in pre-season.”

Collingwood under pressure after poor season

Craig McRae and Collingwood have copped plenty of criticism in 2024 having not only failed to defend their premiership, but didn't even make AFL finals footy. There roster for 2025 has also come under scrutiny.

RELATED:

Collingwood will have 11 players over the age of 30 next season. The club also raise eyebrows with Pies stalwarts Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, Scott Pendlebury and Will Hoskin-Elliott having all been granted new contracts in recent times. This prompted Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes to claim Collingwood have backed themselves into a corner with their list management in recent years.

Collingwood firmly believes the AFL premiership window remains wide open for them, with recommitting all four of its remaining out-of-contract veterans for 2025 only boosting their chances. Collingwood holds picks 32, 48 and 50 in this year’s draft as things stand, given they traded their first-round pick to Fremantle for Lachie Schultz last year.