Mark Keane’s teammates have grown accustomed to his fiery nature on the training track this summer.

It’s a part of his mantra on the footy field, whether it be on the training track or on game day, the Irishman will always play on the edge.

Speaking to AFC Media, The 24-year-old revealed how this mindset helps him perform to the best of his ability.

“I always play on the edge, it gets me focused and engaged in the game and what I need to do to help us win,” Keane said.

“Hitting a body here or there is a fun part of the game, I enjoy letting my opponent know that I’m there and just making things extra bit harder for them on game day. 

“Some of my teammates have seen that side of me come out, especially in the pre-season drills and match simulation, but I feel if I can train with that same intensity it will help me on game day. 

“It’s definitely an on-field thing, and once it gets off-field everyone knows it’s all love from me.”

Keane recently ticked off a milestone in his Crows journey, with February 6 marking two years since he arrived in Adelaide from Ireland.

Since that day, the defender has been committed to continuous improvement, and managed to become a regular in the Crows’ back six - featuring in 21 matches and averaging 16.8 disposals per game in 2024.

“It’s been pretty well exactly two years since I got off the plane from Ireland, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Keane said.

“I’ve definitely come a long way in these two years, I feel a lot more confident in my knowledge of the game, my skills and just knowing what it takes to play AFL footy.

“Looking back on my first stint at Collingwood, I probably wasn’t all in it and was thinking of Gaelic Football and Hurling at home, but over these two years my love for the Aussie Rules has really grown and I am completely committed to it and being the best I can be.

“For me it’s all about learning from each game, so to get the chance to play a good amount of AFL footy last year, I took so much out of it and my confidence really grew.” 

While he is confident in his ability, the Irishman is not satisfied with where his game is at, and is always looking at ways he can improve.

“That want to get better has been a real driving force throughout the pre-season,” Keane said. 

“Learning off of clips, chatting to coaches after sessions to see where I could improve on certain things and spending time nailing down the fundamentals of the game - there are always things I can do to get better.

“Over these two years at Adelaide I’ve really just zoned in on my footy, and it’s been nice to see my game develop as a result.”

Along with developing as a player, Keane has set his sights on growing as a leader in the Crows’ back six.

“It’s been really nice growing with this group of defenders, on the field we have a really good understanding of each other, and off-field we are best friends as well,” Keane said.

“A big focus for me is becoming more of a leader and having a bigger presence within the defensive group. 

“I hope the guys walk taller with me beside them, and I’m really excited to see what we can achieve as a group in 2025.”

Adelaide faces Brisbane in its Community Series  match at Brighton Homes Arena on Thursday, February 27, at 7.40pm (ACDT).

The Crows will then kick off their 2025 AFL season with a clash against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 16, at 12.05pm.

Tickets available here.