Ben Rutten will play for a 12^th season after agreeing to a new one-year deal with the Crows.

Rutten, 30, has played 211 games since making his AFL debut in Round 16, 2003, and is poised to finish his career as a one-club player.

The durable veteran, who stood up when Daniel Talia and Sam Shaw were both struck down by injury in last year’s finals series, continues to play a key role at West Lakes – both on and off the field.

He’s played all bar one match this season and conceded an average of only one goal a game to direct opponents (17).

Outside of game day, Rutten is a mentor to the Club’s developing back six, including 2012 Rising Star Talia, promising key defender Kyle Hartigan, and talented young players Luke Brown, Rory Laird, Brodie Smith and Ricky Henderson.

General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the Club was pleased with Rutten’s consistently high level of performance.

“We have been very impressed with Ben’s season, particularly his ability to adapt and keep up with the changes in the game,” Noble said.

“Whilst Ben is not currently a member of our leadership group, the mentoring work he does developing and teaching our young defenders is invaluable.”

Overlooked in two national drafts, Rutten was selected with pick No.40 in the 2002 Rookie Draft.

The former West Adelaide junior kicked three goals with his first three kicks on debut against Fremantle, but since then has established himself as one of the most reliable full-backs of the modern era.

Rutten was named All Australian in 2005 and has finished top three in the Crows Club Champion award on two occasions (2005 and 2011).

He celebrated his 200-game milestone against Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium in Round Six this year.

Rutten joins Matthew Wright, 2012 Rising Star Daniel Talia,captain Nathan van Berlo, defenders Brent Reilly and Luke Brown, forward TomLynch and promising talent Cam Ellis-Yolmen in committing to the Crows thisyear.