Adelaide key defender Nick Murray has extended his contract with the Crows for an additional three years, re-signing until at least the end of 2028.
As a junior, Murray was a part of GWS Academy, playing nine reserves games for the Giants, but was overlooked in his draft class. The 23-year-old was then taken via the Supplemental Selection Period in 2021 and has 55 games under his belt since his Round 2 debut in the same year.
Murrary enjoyed a breakout season last year, playing in 19 straight games before he suffered an ACL rupture in Round 19. Following a lengthy rehabilitation period, Murray returned 327 days later against Sydney in Round 14 and continued to play in Adelaide's final nine games of the season.
Hardly missing a beat in his return, Murray averaged career-high marks and possession averages in 2024, recording 4.2 marks and 10.8 disposals per game.
The 195cm defender will remain at West Lakes alongside his brother, Toby, who was recently recruited as Adelaide's mid-season draft selection and is contracted until 2025.
Murray said he is excited to repay the faith shown by the Crows, who took a punt on the defender with their final list spot in 2021.
โI'm extremely grateful for the club giving me a chance in 2021 and now it's time to try to repay that show of faith in me,โ Murray said.
โI love the group that we have, I feel a big part of it and I'm excited by the journey we are on so rapt to be sticking around for the next four years.โ
Crows list boss Justin Reid was full of praise for Murray and his future at Adelaide.
โNick's competitiveness stood out from day one but over the past four seasons his physical preparation, skill level and understanding of the game has gone to a new level,โ Reid said.
โHe showed great resilience in dealing with a serious knee injury just as his career was really taking off, and his professional approach to his rehab is why he was able to get back to playing some great footy at the back end of this season.
โAt only 23 we know there is a lot more to come so we are excited to have him recommit to the club to 2028.โ
With his future at the club sealed, Murray's attention will now turn to Adelaide's pre-season, as they prepare for a year of improvement in 2025. The Crows' opening clash comes against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 16.
