Adelaide have confirmed the re-signing of utility Mitch Hinge to a two-year deal, with the former Lion now penned to West Lakes until the end of the 2024 season.
Hinge ventured to the Crows at the end of the 2020 season as a delisted free agent after three games in four years with Brisbane.
The 24-year-old managed just the one game in his first season with Adelaide before forging a dependable role under Matthew Nicks in 2022, playing as a half-back and wide midfielder.
Across 15 matches this year, Hinge has complemented the Crows' squad effortlessly, adding plenty of run and pressure for the South Australian club.
A fan of the Crows growing up in SA, Hinge expressed his delight in recommitting to Adelaide for a further two years.
โObviously last year was challenging with my shoulder but I had a lot of support from everyone at the footy club and itโs been great to get back on the field and play some regular footy,โ Hinge said in a club statement.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
โThe club has backed me in and hopefully I can repay that faith. I feel like I havenโt tapped into my potential yet and still have a lot to give, and this is the perfect place and perfect group to do that with.โ
Hinge's most recent outing in the blue, red and gold saw the Glenelg product record a career-high 21 disposals, along with 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s and a goal in Sunday's win over West Coast.
Crows list boss lauded Hinge's ability to add to the club immediately after arriving from Queensland.
โWe knew when we signed him the attributes he would bring to our team and Iโm pleased weโve been able to see them this season โ his physicality as a defender as well as his run and carry with the footy and damaging kick has really added to our team.
โNow we look forward to him building on that with another strong pre-season behind him.โ
Hinge and the Crows will welcome North Melbourne to Adelaide Oval on Saturday, before concluding their 2022 campaign against arch-rivals Port Adelaide next Saturday night.