In a major boost for the Adelaide Crows’ long-term prospects, star forward Darcy Fogarty has put pen to paper on a mammoth six-year contract extension that will see him remain at West Lakes until at least the end of the 2031 AFL season. The deal, announced by the club on Monday, comes on the back of Fogarty’s career-best 2024 campaign.
Securing a cornerstone forward
The 25-year-old South Australian, who was set to become a free agent at the end of 2025, has instead chosen to commit his long-term future to his home state club. Fogarty’s retention is a significant piece of business for the Crows as they look to build a forward line capable of leading them back to premiership contention.
Fogarty’s signing follows the emerging trend of AFL clubs locking away key players on lengthy deals well before they enter free agency. In recent months, the likes of Nick Blakey (Sydney), Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane), Jacob Weitering (Carlton), and Sam Taylor (GWS) have all inked extensions until at least 2031.
A breakout 2024 season
Fogarty elevated his game to new heights in 2024, booting a personal best 41 goals and playing every match for the first time in his 105-game career to date. His strong aerial presence, contested marking, and accurate set shot goalkicking established him as the focal point of Adelaide’s attack.
“I love the club and feel we are heading in an exciting direction… I’d love to finish my career a one-club player, the club has put its faith in me and I’m excited to repay them and continue the journey with my teammates.”
– Darcy Fogarty on his contract extension
Overcoming early challenges
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the former first round draft selection. Fogarty managed just 26 appearances across his first three seasons at AFL level as he battled injuries and struggled to nail down a spot in the senior side.
However, the powerful left-footer turned the corner in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since, playing 79 of a possible 88 games over the past four seasons to establish himself as one of the most promising young key forwards in the competition.
Leading the next generation
With talismanic spearhead Taylor Walker entering the twilight of his distinguished career, and rising star Riley Thilthorpe still developing, Fogarty appears the man most likely to lead the Crows’ forward line in the coming years. His experience will be invaluable for bringing through Adelaide’s next batch of attacking talents.
“The growth we have seen in Darcy since being drafted, but particularly over the past two seasons, has been significant… He embraced the opportunity to step up as part of our leadership group this year and his form was recognised with a top-five placing in our club champion award.”
– Justin Reid, Adelaide Crows List Manager
Crucial retention in push for finals return
Fogarty’s signature is also an important vote of confidence for embattled coach Matthew Nicks as he enters his sixth season at the helm in 2025 after a disappointing 14th place finish this year. With the Crows having not featured in the finals since 2017, securing a high-quality focal point like Fogarty for the long haul is critical to the club’s hopes of a return to September action.
If Adelaide is to climb back up the ladder and once again challenge the league’s elite, getting the best out of Fogarty and the forward line brigade looms as arguably priority number one. His monster new deal is a clear sign that the Crows believe he can be a centerpiece of that quest in the years to come.
