Adelaide Vice Captain Ben Keays says young midfielder Sid Draper is building strongly at SANFL level after an injury interrupted pre-season.
Draper was managed throughout the Crows’ summer training block as he managed a groin injury, and has worked his way into his 2026 campaign through the SANFL team.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Keays gave an update on how the 19-year-old was travelling and the work he had put into getting his body right.
“He’s done a heap of work and is building, he obviously had a very delayed start to his pre-season, it’s a really tough injury to manage having gone through that myself,” Keays said.
“So for him to come out the other side of that is really pleasing, he’s done a mountain of work on his speed and it’s awesome to see him playing some consistent footy at SANFL level.”
Keays was also asked about the progress of fellow young teammate Dan Curtin, who made a successful return from a pre-season knee injury in the SANFL last weekend.
He spoke glowingly on how the 21-year-old attacked his recovery, and was confident he could have an impact should he return to the senior team for Showdown 59.
“It’s really exciting (to see Dan back out there), he’s been incredible in his rehab and how he’s attacked it,” Keays said.
“He’s so important to our group on and off the field, we saw his form last year, he really flourished as one of the next stars of the competition.
“So it’ll be great to have him back out there and he’s done a mountain of work as well, so we’ll support Dan in whatever is decided is best for him this week.”
Keays himself enters Showdown 59 with a key focus on playing his role to lift the team, and contributing to a much-needed Crows victory.
He gave a brief insight into how he was tracking and playing the tough role of a high half-forward.
“It just comes with the role, naturally there’s going to be games where you're quiet and not amongst it and others where the opportunities are rife and there’s plenty happening,” Keays said.
“I always try to look at it as a whole system thing, not focus on yourself too much, it always has to be team first.
“You just have to ride it out, that’s what I’ve tried to hammer down while playing this role, knowing it's one of those roles where it’s quiet at times, but how can you affect the game in other ways and help your teammates when you don’t have the ball.
“Once you get your head around that and build a plan around what the team needs rather than what you need yourself, that’s when you can generally bounce back from lean patches and find a way to contribute.”
As for his feelings ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster clash against the Power, Keays said he could not wait to experience the atmosphere of a Showdown in a marquee timeslot.
“I just love the energetic and intense atmosphere, the hum of the noise of the crowd, that’s what makes it such an amazing fixture,” Keays said.
“It’s like a bit of a cauldron out there in the middle of Adelaide Oval, and that’s created by both sets of fans, so I’m looking forward to all the Crows fans being there in full voice and bringing that atmosphere.”
Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval this Friday night, with the match to begin at 7.40pm (ACST).
Fans can watch the game live on Channel 7 Adelaide and Fox Footy/Kayo, or attend by purchasing a Crows membership.
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