Andy Otten has capped a successful comeback from injury this season by signing a new two-year deal.
Otten, 26, made his long-awaited return from a second knee reconstruction in Adelaide’s SANFL clash with Central District in July, and played the last eight games of the Club’s State League season.
The versatile Crow displayed good form in defence and was on the verge of an AFL call-up towards the end of the season, named as an emergency on several occasions.
An unrestricted free agent, Otten knocked back interest from interstate to commit to Adelaide until the end of the 2017 season.
“I really want to repay the faith the Club has showed in me, particularly, over the last few years which have been pretty tough from a personal perspective,” Otten said.
“I love the Club, the playing group and the culture that we’re developing. I know we’re heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of team success here in the future.”
Crows Head of Football David Noble said a fit and firing Otten would be a boost for the AFL team next season.
“Andy’s attitude throughout his rehabilitation has been outstanding,” Noble said.
“He came extremely close to breaking into the AFL team this year and we’re excited about what he can bring to our team, both in defence and up forward, with a full pre-season.
“We’ve showed faith in Andy and we’re very pleased that he’s continued to show faith in us.”
Otten has played 79 AFL games since being recruited by Adelaide with pick No.27 in the 2007 National Draft. He won the Crows Coaches Award in his last uninterrupted season in 2013.