In an exciting update for Adelaide Crows supporters, the club has announced that four promising young players have signed new contracts, securing their future with the team. James Borlase, Hugh Bond, Charlie Edwards, and Oscar Ryan have all extended their commitments, showcasing the club’s investment in its emerging stars.
James Borlase, the 22-year-old key defender, has been awarded a fresh two-year deal extending through to 2026. Borlase, who joined Adelaide as a Category B rookie in 2020, has made significant strides in his role, demonstrating his reliability and versatility. This season, after appearing in 10 AFL games, Borlase expressed his satisfaction with his progress and the opportunity to further prove himself. He spoke about his dedication to improving his game and his excitement about the team’s future. “I feel like I’ve improved my game,” Borlase said. “I’m really looking forward to what the next couple of years hold.”
Hugh Bond, at just 19 years old, has also secured a one-year extension through to the end of 2025. Bond made his AFL debut in Round 18 and played the remaining seven games of the season. His performance, particularly his defensive skills against some of the league’s top small forwards, earned him praise. Crows GM List Management and Strategy, Justin Reid, highlighted Bond’s team-first attitude and competitive spirit, which were instrumental in earning his new contract.
Similarly, Charlie Edwards and Oscar Ryan, both 19, have extended their contracts until the end of 2026. Their contracts solidify the commitment to all three of Adelaide’s first-round draftees from last year. Edwards has made a notable impact in the SANFL, demonstrating his prowess as an inside midfielder with a standout game of 31 disposals and nine clearances. Ryan, known for his class as a rebound defender, maintained impressive stats with an average of 18.6 disposals per game at 88 percent efficiency across 17 state league games.
Reid commended Edwards and Ryan for their talent and hard work during their inaugural season at West Lakes. He expressed optimism about their future prospects, anticipating they will push for AFL selection in the coming year. “They have played some great football at SANFL level,” Reid said, “and we look forward to them hopefully pushing for AFL selection next year.”
This new wave of contract extensions reflects Adelaide’s strategy to build a strong, young core, setting a solid foundation for future successes. Fans can look forward to seeing these emerging talents continue to develop and contribute to the team’s growth over the next few seasons.