Mitch Hinge has signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at the Club until at least 2024.
The 24-year-old South Australian has become a regular in Adelaide’s AFL team this season, playing 15 games across half-back and on the wing.
He has impressed with his penetrating left foot and registered a career-high 21 disposals and a goal in Sunday’s win over the West Coast.
Hinge was drafted to Brisbane from Glenelg in the 2017 Rookie Daft and played three games with the Lions before signing with the Crows as a delisted free agent at the end of 2020.
He made his Crows debut in the opening round of 2021 when he courageously played on with a dislocated shoulder in Adelaide’s win over Geelong.
Unfortunately the shoulder required surgery which saw him miss the rest of the season but after a strong summer Hinge has taken his game to a new and consistent level in 2022.
Adelaide General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid said Hinge had made an immediate impact since joining the Club last season.
“Mitch won a lot of admiration from his teammates and coaches on debut last year and then with his attitude towards his shoulder rehabilitation and pre-season training,” Reid said
“We knew when we signed him the attributes he would bring to our team and I’m pleased we’ve been able to see them this season – his physicality as a defender as well as his run and carry with the footy and damaging kick has really added to our team.
“Now we look forward to him building on that with another strong pre-season behind him.”
Hinge, who grew up a Crows supporter and whose brother John also played for the Club in 2007, said he had loved his time at West Lakes so far.
“Obviously last year was challenging with my shoulder but I had a lot of support from everyone at the footy club and it’s been great to get back on the field and play some regular footy,” Hinge said.
“The club has backed me in and hopefully I can repay that faith. I feel like I haven’t tapped into my potential yet and still have a lot to give, and this is the perfect place and perfect group to do that with.”