Why Johnson thinks reported Pies target Keane is seriously underrated

Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson is loving the year of Adelaide key defender Mark Keane.

The 24-year-old Irishman has played 10 games this season, adding to the 10 he played across three separate seasons for Collingwood and the Crows.

His improvement in 2024 has been noticeable as he’s seen his averages take a huge leap in disposals (17.5), marks (6.1), tackles (1.4) and rebound 50s (3.9) per game.

Keane first played AFL for Collingwood in 2020 before heading back to Ireland during the COVID pandemic in 2021, and reports have recently suggested that the Pies are keen on luring him back to Melbourne.

Johnson can see why the Pies have the key defender as an off-season target.

The six-time All-Australian has also been seriously impressed by Keane’s intercept and one-on-one ability, while his kicking skills have also improved markedly.

“The first clue is that over the last four weeks, he has had 35 intercept possessions,” Johnson told SEN Sportsday.

“For the season, he’s only lost five of 22 one-on-one contests.

“He’s also had the third most kicks above AFL average for his team this year, he's in the top three at his club.

“It’s Mark Keane from the Adelaide Crows.”

Just 20 games into his AFL career, Johnson thinks that the tall defender has plenty of room to grow as he betters himself “week in, week out”.

He also thinks that without him, the Crows would be in a world of pain given they’ve been without key defender Nick Murray all year as he recovers from a knee reconstruction, while Jordon Butts and Josh Worrell have also been sidelined at times.

“Honestly, I've loved his year so far,” Johnson said.

“It has been sensational, and they were crying out for a player like him.

“I didn’t expect Mark Keane to produce the football that he has this year and it's been outstanding.

“He has stood up for the Adelaide Crows under pressure, especially with a couple of key defenders out of the team in his weight division.

“He's just getting better and better week in week out. His ability in the contest is sensational and he's winning a lot of those one-on-one contests.

“His kicking is above AFL average and I think that's really important for the position that he plays.

“He’s really improved.”

Keane and the Crows next face the Hawks on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.