Adelaide ruckman Reilly O'Brien has quashed speculation tying him to a potential move to Victoria, with the contracted Crow confirming he's not seeking a trade after falling out of favour at West Lakes.
After holding down the first-string ruck role for the past five years at Adelaide, the 2020 best and fairest winner was dropped ahead of the club's Round 13 clash with Richmond as the Crows looked to find answers to their struggling form.
The 28-year-old has since played two games in the SANFL in a bid to improve his follow-up work in the middle of the field, with a return to the senior side not far away after a strong few weeks in the state league coupled with replacement Kieran Strachan's struggles since coming into the senior side.
Amid O'Brien's battle to earn a recall, the Ascot Vale product's name had been raised as a potential mover back to Melbourne despite his contract status.
The rumours have since been addressed by O'Brien, who toldย 10 News Adelaideย that he wants to see out his contract with the Crows - which will expire at the end of next year - and hasn't given any thought to leaving the club.
"It's not the case at all. It's the first I've heard of that," O'Brien said of the conjecture.
"I love being here. I love the club and the city. I'm certainly not (looking to move).
"Hopefully I'm back in (the team) and playing good footy for years to come at the Crows. That's certainly the plan."
While the ruckman's future is tied up beyond 2024, a number of fellow veterans are yet to settle on new deals for next season at Adelaide.
Former captain Taylor Walker and senior backman Brodie Smith are unsigned for 2025 and will be weighing up their futures, with the latter among the Crows to also face the axe at selection in recent weeks.
2024 could be Smith's last season for the South Australian club given the number of emerging defenders on the Crows' list, while Walker remains a likely retention target for Adelaide's list management team.
The seven-time club leading goalkicker has often had his name raised as a fitting target for competing clubs in need of a key forward, while Walker has remained loyal to the Crows across his 17-year career.
With another decision from Walker looming, O'Brien stated he can't see the veteran sharpshooter departing for a new club.
"He's sort of the heart and soul of the club, and I think most members would agree," O'Brien said of the 34-year-old.
"It'd be very weird seeing him play anywhere else. I'm confident he'll be playing at the club next year, but we'll wait and see."
Adelaide also have Sam Berry,ย Hugh Bond,ย James Borlase,ย Brayden Cook,ย Lachlan Gollant,ย William Hamill,ย Elliott Himmelberg,ย Ned McHenry, Patrick Parnell and Lachlan Shollย currently off-contract.
