Adelaide has added more South Australian talent to its SANFL team for next season by signing former Collingwood defender Jack Madgen.

Madgen, who hails from the Barossa Valley, will become Adelaide’s SANFL marquee player after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Crows for 2023.

The 29-year-old played 49 AFL games for Collingwood after being drafted as a Category B Rookie in 2017, when he made the switch to football from basketball where he played with Cairns in the NBL after four years in the US college system.

Madgen played the first nine games of Collingwood’s 2022 season which was interrupted by shoulder and thumb injuries before he was delisted by the Magpies in October.

At 193cm and 95kg, Madgen is primarily a defender who can stand tall and small opponents but his versatility allows him to also play forward when required.

Adelaide Football Operations Manager Tom Hurley said securing Madgen was a significant coup for the Club’s SANFL squad.

“Jack is a quality footballer and person and it’s great to have a South Australian coming home and joining our program,” Hurley said.

“He brings significant AFL experience from his time at Collingwood and as a key position player he will be a very important part of our team.

“In addition to previously announced recruits Blayne O’Loughlin, Hugh Haysman and Stephen Tahana, Jack will further bolster our SANFL squad as we look to build on a successful 2022 campaign.”

Madgen, whose sister Tess is captain of Australia’s women’s basketball team the Opals, said he was excited to return to SA and play for the Crows.

“Coming back to play for the club I always supported growing up, things have come full circle for me,” Madgen said.

“I still feel like I’ve got plenty of footy left to play and I want to play at the highest level possible for me.

“I’m passionate about development and this role is exciting for me at this point of my career, so I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a proud and passionate club.”