The Crows have received a boost on the eve of the 2013 season, signing young star Daniel Talia to a three-year contract extension.
Talia enjoyed a breakout season in 2012. The 21-year-old defender established himself as a key pillar in the Crows backline, playing all 22 minor-round matches. He routinely stood the opposition’s best forwards and conceded an average of only one goal per game.
Talia was recognised for an individually brilliant year, receiving the AFL’s NAB Rising Star award. His season came to a cruel end only a few days after accepting the Ron Evans Medal when he fractured his forearm in a collision with Sydney forward Mitch Morton late in Adelaide’s Qualifying Final loss to the Swans. The Assumption College graduate displayed his trademark professionalism throughout the rehabilitation process and returned to the field in week one of the NAB Cup.
The contract extension, which was announced at the Club's Season Launch on Tuesday night, will see Talia remain a Crow until at least the end of 2016. Talia said he was pleased to have signed off on the new deal before the start of the season.
“It was good to get the contract out the way,” Talia said.
“I’m just really happy to be here for the next four years. I love playing alongside the boys here, and under Sando (coach Brenton Sanderson) and Dasher (Darren Milburn). The culture is really good. We’ve got a core group of guys around my age and I’m enjoying being in Adelaide.
“Hopefully, the team has some success over the next few years and I want to be a part of that.”
Talia’s signature follows that of ruckman Sam Jacobs, who recently also added three years to his contract at Adelaide. General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the Club was thrilled to secure the key pair.
“Daniel will be an integral part of our backline for many years to come,” Noble said.
“He showed great maturity in a demanding role last season and will only get better with experience. Daniel is extremely professional and hard working and we see him developing into a real leader in our young defensive group.
“It gives us great confidence having signed Sam Jacobs and now Daniel early in the year.”
Recruited from the Calder Cannons, Talia was Adelaide’s first selection (No.13 overall) in the 2009 AFL Draft. After an injury-interrupted start to his AFL career, Talia made his debut against Sydney in Round 15, 2011, and has played a career total of 32 games.
