Crows vice-captain Ben Keays will remain at West Lakes until at least the end of 2027 after signing a three-year contract extension.

The ultra-consistent and durable midfielder/forward has finished in the top-five of Club Champion voting in three of his four seasons at West Lakes, and was elevated to the leadership group in 2022.

In the past 12 months, Keays has switched roles from full-time onballer to pressure forward and has averaged a goal game.

On Saturday he kicked three goals to go with his 20 disposals in Adelaide’s two-point win over Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

Keays was recruited by the Crows in the rookie draft at the end of 2019 after starting his career at Brisbane where he played 30 games in four seasons.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with what Ben has brought to our team since joining us four years ago,” Crows GM List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said.

“He’s incredibly professional and hard working which sets an example for his younger teammates to follow and is a big reason why he’s one of our vice-captains.

“On the field he has embraced a role change which at times sees him sacrifice parts of his own game for the benefit of the team, and that’s something we value very highly.”

Keays said he was very optimistic about the Club’s future and excited to sign on for three more seasons.

“I’m also very grateful that the Club gave me a chance in 2019 and hopefully I’ve been able to repay some of that faith,” he said.

“I love where the group is heading and I’m extremely optimistic that we are set up to have some sustained success in the future.”