Newly crowned All Australian Niamh Kelly has signed a four-year contract extension to remain with the Crows until at least the end of 2027.

In pledging her commitment to the Club, Kelly has been rewarded for a career-best season in which she also finished third in Adelaide’s Club Champion and won the Showdown Medal as best-on-ground in the Round One win over Port Adelaide.

The four-year deal comes off the back of the new CBA signed in September, which for the first time gives AFLW players the ability to sign contracts beyond two seasons.

Kelly joined Adelaide from West Coast ahead of Season Seven and after an injury interrupted first season, produced an outstanding 2023 campaign highlighted by her speed, hard running and ability to hit the scoreboard.

The 28-year-old from Ireland said she was delighted to continue her career at West Lakes.

“I’ve been absolutely loving my time here so far, Adelaide is such an incredible club to be part of with such incredible people,” Kelly said.

“I feel so at home here, the club has been amazing to me and my partner Darragh and made Adelaide feel like a second home to us.

“I’m really excited for the future, I can see so much potential in this group and if we keep working hard there’s hopefully going to be success for us in the next couple of years.”

Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Kelly could not have been more impressive since joining the Club last year.

“For Niamh to recommit to the Club until the end of 2027 is a big boost for us,” Harper said.

“It’s a big commitment from Niamh and Darragh that is greatly appreciated by our club, they are a long way from home but are a very important part of our Crows family here in Adelaide.

“She’s become a really valued member of our team and stood up in some big moments for us this season. 

“Coming off shoulder surgery at the end of last season it’s a real credit to her for the work she put in to recover and perform at such a consistently high level this year.”