Adelaide defender Mark Keane is set to be sidelined for an extended period of time after suffering a lower leg fracture during a Crows’ match simulation on Friday.
The injury occurred when the 25-year-old was running back with the flight and collided with recruit Finnbar Maley in a marking contest.
Footage of the incident shows a distressed Keane immediately clutching his lower right leg.
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Mark Keane clutching his ankle. 9News
The Irishman subsequently removed his boot and sock, before being helped onto a medicab and being sent for scans to determine the extent of the damage.
The Crows later confirmed that Keane had fractured his right leg and would require surgery. No return timeline was mentioned in the statement.
However, speaking on Adelaide radio station 5AA, coach Matthew Nicks confirmed the 25-year-old would likely be out of action for up to four months.
“As far as I’m aware to this point, it’s around three or four months (out),” Nicks said.
Mark Keane. Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
An All-Australian squad member last year, Keane is a cornerstone of the Crows’ defence. He featured in every game of Adelaide’s 2025 campaign.
His injury adds to a growing headache for Adelaide, as he joins fellow defender Dan Curtin on the sidelines.
Curtain was ruled out following his own pre-season training mishap and last month underwent knee surgery, which is expected to keep him sidelined until at least round seven.
The Crows will look to bounce back from last year’s straight-sets finals exit when they kick off the season against the Magpies at the MCG on March 14.