Crows rookie and new Adelaide Strikers signing Alex Keath says he’s extremely fortunate to be able to pursue a career in two sporting codes.
The former Victorian cricketer, who joined Adelaide as a Category B rookie in October, has been training with the Crows and is set to play in the upcoming Twenty20 Big Bash League, becoming the first athlete to be contracted to both an AFL and BBL club.
Keath is completing a modified pre-season program at the Club to accommodate his cricket commitments, but has impressed many with his natural athleticism and sharpness with Sherrin.
The 23-year-old said he’s eager to make the most of his opportunities in both sports.
“I’m very lucky,” Keath said.
“At the moment, I’m training with the Crows and I haven’t played for the Strikers at all, nor footy. At the moment I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.
“I’ve moved over here in the last two or three months and my focus was on trying to play some solid club cricket at Prospect Cricket Club. I’ve had a reasonable start to the season and obviously this is a bit of a reward for that.
“With the Big Bash coming up, that’s a six-week tournament and that’ll be my focus.
“But whenever I’ve got the chance over the last couple of months while I’ve been playing at Prospect I’ve been trying to head down to the Crows and work hard with the coaches and try to learn as much as I can.
“We’ll see how it goes from there.”
Keath boasts an average of almost 130 runs from four matches at grade level with Prospect, including a 75 not out against Sturt last weekend.
A gifted junior who was part of the AFL-AIS Academy, Keath was initially pre-listed by Gold Coast in 2010 when the expansion club was forming its foundation list.
Keath instead took up an offer with the Victorian Cricket Team and played seven first-class matches.
The Crows remained in touch with the 196cm utility even after he opted to pursue a career with the bat and ball.
Keath said the Club has continued to show great understanding of his unique situation.
“They’ve been fantastic,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed training with the Crows. It’s an elite environment and they’ve been supportive of me playing cricket this season.
“There’s a long way to go. I’ll try to put my best foot forward.”
The Big Bash League begins on December 17.
