Three-year deals aren't commonplace for AFL players once they enter their 30s, but such is the quality of Eddie Betts that Adelaide envisage him playing until close to his 34th birthday - at least.
The Crows announced on Wednesday that the exceptional small forward has signed a new three-year deal with the club, contracting him until the end of 2020.
Betts, who turned 30 in November, has been rewarded for an outstanding three seasons at West Lakes in which he has kicked 189 goals in 69 games. He has topped the club's goalkicking each season since joining on a lucrative deal as a restricted free agent from Carlton.
He was named All-Australian for a second consecutive season last year, kicking 75 goals and bagging his third goal-of-the-year award for an astonishing major against Greater Western Sydney in round 10 in front of his adoring fans at Adelaide Oval.
Betts joined the Crows after nine seasons at the Blues in which he kicked 290 goals in 184 games. He is one of several forwards around the competition to have kicked on since leaving Carlton.
Betts told the Crows' website that he was enjoying his time at the club. "The club is in great shape and we have such a positive environment where everyone works really hard but also knows how to make it enjoyable as well," he said.
"Playing finals footy is what it is all about and after experiencing that the last couple of years I know this playing group is capable of much more.
"Everyone at the club has been really good to me and I love our fans too. They have made my family and I feel so welcome from the first day I arrived."
Adelaide list manager Justin Reid praised Betts for his off-field attitude. "Everyone knows that Eddie is a special talent, but he also understands and contributes to our team-first approach and culture," Reid said.
"His durability is testament to the way he trains and prepares, and he has a clear picture of where we are heading and wants to continue on the journey."
Securing Betts' signature has further shored up Adelaide's formidable forward line for the medium-term. His deal follows that of big man Josh Jenkins who rebuffed offers from rival clubs to sign a five-year deal last July, meaning the former Essendon rookie is contracted until the end of 2021. Fellow forwards Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker are contracted until the end of 2018.
Adelaide narrowly missed the top four in 2016 - Don Pyke's first season as coach - ultimately falling to Sydney in the semi-finals.
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