Adelaide has announced the re-signing of key defender James Borlase (2026) as well as young trio Hugh Bond (2025), Charlie Edwards (2026) and Oscar Ryan (2026).
The quartet all received one-year extensions, whilst Borlase, who joined the Crows as a Category B rookie in 2020, was backed in for two more seasons.
The 22-year-old featured in 10 games throughout 2024 and started to gain confidence in his game alongside Josh Worrell and Mark Keane, which is something he's been working on.
“I've obviously still got a way to go, but I feel like I've improved my game,” Borlase said.
“I've worked hard and got an opportunity to play some AFL this year, so I had a bit of a chance to prove myself, and I'm very thankful the club has rewarded me with another contract.
“I love the club, we have a great group coming through. I've seen how well we can play when we all play at our best, so I'm really looking forward to what the next couple of years holds.”
Crows list management and strategy GM Justin Reid has been impressed with Borlase's resilience and discipline to his craft, having to bide his time before he could get an opportunity.
“James had to bide his time for an opportunity, but once it presented itself, he grabbed it with both hands, and we are pleased he will continue with us for the next two seasons,” Reid said.
Joining Borlase was midfielder Bond, who made his AFL debut in Round 19 and featured in the last seven games of the season.
His competitiveness and defensive efforts were what impressed the Crows the most.
“Bondy has been terrific in embracing the role the coaches have wanted him to play,” Reid said.
“He has a team-first attitude and a competitive determination that his teammates love and has thoroughly earned his contract extension.”
Ryan and Edwards - who haven't debuted but showed tremendous potential in the SANFL - have both extended their contracts to the end of 2026 after completing their first season at West Lakes.
It means all three of Adelaide's first-round draftees from last year are locked away for the next two seasons after Daniel Curtin signed an initial three-year deal as a top-20 draft selection.
“We knew Charlie and Oscar had the talent, and they have embraced the hard work that comes with being a first-year player in the AFL system,” Reid said.
“They have played some great football at SANFL level, and we look forward to them hopefully pushing for AFL selection next year.”
Several Crows are still waiting on new deals, including Will Hamill, Lachlan Gollant, Ned McHenry, Paddy Parnell and Chris Burgess.
Utility Elliott Himmelberg is weighing up his future as Gold Coast expresses their interest.
Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen will join the club, while Jack Lukosius and Isaac Cumming have been heavily linked to the club.
