Rival clubs now expecting that key defender will request a trade to Collingwood

Adelaide defender Mark Keane continues to be linked with his former club Collingwood.

The 24-year-old Irishman is contracted until the end of the 2025 season and was non-committal when quizzed on his future at West Lakes while speaking to SEN SA Breakfast earlier this month.

MARK KEANE COY ON FUTURE AT CROWS AMID REPORTED COLLINGWOOD INTEREST

Reports in May suggested that the Pies were trying to lure Keane back to the club where he played five games in 2020 and 2021, and AFL.com.au’s Riley Beveridge says that rival clubs are now expecting a trade request to come through from Keane’s end as the season nears its close.

“Mark Keane is an interesting one,” Beveridge said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.

“The Irishman at Adelaide still has a year left on his contract for 2025.

“Don’t forget, he started his career at Collingwood, went back to Ireland and then came back to Adelaide.

“I think rival clubs now expect that he’ll request a trade back to Collingwood.

“It’s been on the radar for some time now, but he is definitely attracting interest from the Pies.”

Keane joined the Crows in 2023 after spending all of 2022 in Ireland following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has become a regular member of Adelaide’s team in 2024, playing 18 games to take his overall tally up to 28.

Keane leads the Crows for marks (equal with Max Michalanney), intercept marks, spoils and one percenters this season.