Promising midfielder Sam Kerridge says he’s looking forward to a long career at Adelaide after signing a new two-year deal with the Club.

Kerridge, 20, has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects at West Lakes in 2013.

After getting a taste of AFL as the substitute against Hawthorn early last year, Kerridge forced his way back into the Crows side in Round Four this season.

The second-year Crow played eight games in succession, including a match-defining performance in the Club’s come-from-behind win over North Melbourne. Kerridge’s six-goal haul against the Roos earned him the Round Nine NAB Rising Star nomination.

The strong-bodied ball winner impressed again on the weekend, collecting 23 possessions, six marks and a goal in Adelaide’s big win over Melbourne.

Kerridge said it was an “easy decision” to sign on with the Crows.

“I know I want to be a part of the Adelaide Football Club for as long as I can and really forge my career in the tri-colours,” Kerridge said.

“We’ve got a great young bunch here at the moment … and to see them all commit to the Club is really exciting. I’m really looking forward to being part of the playing group for many years to come.”

An emerging leader at Adelaide, Kerridge follows young teammates Daniel Talia, Rory Laird, Luke Brown, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg in committing to the Club. Captain Nathan van Berlo, full-back Ben Rutten and onballer Matthew Wright have also re-signed.

General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the Club was rapt to secure another of its core group of young players.

“We’ve been really impressed with Sam’s development this season, his strong work ethic and his versatility in being able to play forward and, perhaps, in the midfield longer-term,” Noble said.

“Sam’s a quality person and we’ve known for a while now that he was going to commit and help us build success here.”

After playing eight straight matches early in the season, Kerridge had to wait two months for his next match, as he battled with fatigue and inconsistency.

“I had things to work on a few things to enhance my performance, like my running patterns and my kicking,” he said.

“It took a bit longer than I would’ve liked, but hey that’s footy. A few solid weeks in the SANFL helped my confidence to go out there, play some really good footy and do what comes naturally to me.

“It’s good to finally be back in the team. Hopefully, I can stay in and we finish off the year strongly.”

The, 188cm, 86kg, athlete has played in a variety of roles this season, including as an attacking and negating midfielder and a key forward.

“The more games you play, obviously the better you’re going to be. To get the chance to play nine this season has been fantastic and it should hold me in good stead for the pre-season,” he said.

 “As a true midfielder is probably where I’d like to play my footy and where I see myself forging a career, but I’m more than happy to play as many roles as possible.

“Being versatile allows you to get picked more often … so I’m more than happy just to do my bit for the team and, hopefully, that’s enough to get me a game each week.”