Damaging onballer David Mackay says he never considered leaving Adelaide after officially putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal.

There was media speculation Mackay had been approached by at least one Melbourne-based club, but the 24-year-old said he didn’t entertain any rival offers.

“It (the speculation) comes up every couple of years when you come out of contract, but there was never any doubt about me staying at the Club,” Mackay told the RAA Crows News Update.

“I said to my manager the whole way along that I didn’t want to play anywhere else. It was just a matter of time, working through a few bits and pieces with the Club. I had a couple of things going on with my family to sort out, but there was never any thought of me leaving.

“I love playing here. I love the people around the Club, the coaching staff and the direction they’ve got us heading in.

“It’s really exciting to get it all done. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Club for the next three years and it starts this week. I can’t wait to get out there on the weekend.”

Crows general manager of football operations Phil Harper said the Club was pleased to have secured Mackay’s signature before finals.

“There was never any issue with David’s contract, it was just about getting the timing right for him,” Harper said.

“It still is very pleasing to get it done before the finals so he can focus on that. He is an outstanding young man and very talented footballer who is an extremely valuable member of our team.” 

Recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers with pick No.48 in the 2006 AFL Draft, Mackay has played 83 career games.

The line-breaking midfielder has sustained several injuries in his six-year stay at West Lakes, including a shoulder complaint that caused him to miss three months of last season. But he’s played all bar two games this year, impressing with his neat foot skills and offensive run in a new role across half-back. At AAMI Stadium on Saturday, Mackay will play his fourth AFL final, having been a part of the Club’s unsuccessful campaigns of 2008 and 2009.

His (equal) career-best disposal count (30) came in the Crows’ Semi-Final loss to Collingwood in ‘09’. He said tough times in the past two seasons had taught him the importance of making the most of your opportunities in September.

“You learn (finals campaigns) don’t come around too easily. You have to work very hard to get into the finals and it’s so cutthroat,” he said.

“You have to perform on the day and perform at your best. There have been a few times in the past where we haven’t done that. I’m just excited to be in there, in the thick of it again.

“To have a home final this week is just great for our members and supporters, and great for the footy club.”