Adelaide Crows defender Mark Keane is facing a significant setback that could see him miss the opening stages of the 2026 AFL season after sustaining a severe injury during a training session.
Training Collision Leads to Serious Ankle Dislocation
The 25-year-old Irishman was involved in a heavy collision with new teammate Finnbar Maley during a marking contest. The impact caused Keane to land awkwardly, resulting in an immediate and distressing dislocation of his right ankle.
Witnesses reported that the ankle was visibly pointing in an unnatural direction, prompting Keane to initially attempt to realign it himself before receiving assistance from medical staff.
Immediate Aftermath and Team Support
Keane was helped to his feet and transported from the training track on a medicab, with his head in his hands, clearly distressed by the incident. The injury represents a cruel blow for the defender, who had established himself as a key component of Adelaide's backline, playing all 25 games for the Crows during the previous season.
Teammates quickly rallied around the injured player, offering support as he departed the training facility. However, his absence will create a substantial void in Adelaide's defensive structure, particularly given his selection in the All Australian squad, which recognises him as one of the competition's elite defenders.
Medical Assessment and Recovery Timeline
Keane is scheduled to undergo comprehensive scans to determine the full extent of the damage. Medical professionals will be looking for any ligament damage or potential fractures that may have occurred alongside the dislocation.
The recovery timeline for such injuries typically involves extensive rehabilitation, raising serious concerns about his availability for the beginning of the 2026 AFL campaign. The Crows will need to develop contingency plans to cover his absence during what could be a prolonged recovery period.
