In-form utility Andy Otten is the latest Crow to commit to the Club, signing a new two-year deal.
After a few injury-interrupted seasons, Otten has re-established himself as an integral part of the Adelaide team in 2013.
The 24-year-old has played every game this year, holding down key positions in defence and, more recently, attack. The versatile tall has provided a strong target in the injury-hit Crows forward line, kicking multiple goals in three of the past five games for a season tally of 11. He ranks third at the Club in contested marks (14) and fifth in total marks (92).
Recruited with pick No.27 in the 2007 AFL National Draft, Otten notched up his 50th game in Round Three and has played a career total of 67 games.
General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the Club was thrilled to secure Otten’s signature until at least the end of 2015.
“Andy has been one of our most consistent players this season. He’s played key roles at either end of the ground depending on the team’s needs, showing terrific versatility in his game.” Noble said.
“It’s great to see him get some reward for effort this season after a few tough years. We’re pleased Andy sees the promising future we’re building here at the Adelaide Football Club.”
Otten follows defenders Rory Laird, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Brent Reilly and Ben Rutten, midfielders Nathan van Berlo, Mitch Grigg, Matthew Wright in re-signing with the Club this year. The Victorian-born tall said he was committed to having success with Adelaide.
“I made it clear to the Club that I want to be part of a premiership side with the Crows. I’ve been here since I was drafted as an 18-year-old, so I’m almost an Adelaide boy … but I’ll never say that,” Otten said.
“A lot of the young boys have signed up again. It’s been exciting to see those players develop this year. The more games they play the better we’re going to get as a group.
“I’m excited to be part of this young group coming through. If we’d won some of the close games we lost this year, our season all of a sudden turns around. We think we can do that next year.”
In the past couple of games, Otten has also spent time in the ruck as support for Sam Jacobs. The 2009 NAB Rising Star runner-up said he was enjoying playing a variety of roles.
“I’ve been pretty happy with the consistency of my year … it’s been a good development year as well,” he said.
“I’ve played a bit up forward, a tiny bit in the ruck and played on different types of players down back. It’s been a positive year so far.
“When I play as a forward, I try to think about the things that I hate opposition forwards doing when I’m playing as a backman. I try to move lots, provide multiple leads and not just do the obvious thing.
“I’m happy in any spot on the ground. I probably feel more comfortable down back, but I’m getting more comfortable the more time I play up forward.”