The Adelaide Football Club is in mourning once again after the death of Irish defender Mark Keane's brother, Vinny. Keane, who has not played this season due to a severe broken leg sustained during the pre-season, has returned to Ireland to grieve with his family.
Vinny's passing comes just weeks after the death of Crows captain Jordan Dawson's brother, Jaryd, adding to the club's recent heartache.
“The Adelaide Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to defender Mark Keane following the passing of his brother Vinny,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. “Keane has returned to Ireland to be with his family in this difficult time, with Vinny sadly passing away after a battle with a terminal illness.”
“Keane, who is a much-loved member of the football club, is expected to return to Adelaide next week. The board, executive, staff, coaches and players have Keane and his family in their collective thoughts and will continue to provide support as they navigate this challenging period.”
“As a mark of respect and in honour of Vinny, Adelaide’s AFL and SANFL players will wear black armbands during their respective matches on the weekend.”
The Crows are scheduled to face Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.
Keane, 26, first moved to Australia ahead of the 2019 season after signing with Collingwood. He made his AFL debut in 2020 and played five matches for the Magpies, but struggled with homesickness and returned to Ireland with one year remaining on his contract.
The defender made a comeback with Adelaide ahead of the 2023 season, with his partner Caoimha relocating alongside him. Keane was a regular in the side across 2024-25 and earned All Australian squad selection last year. His absence due to injury has been felt by the Crows, who currently sit 11th on the ladder.
Keane suffered a fractured fibula and tibula, a dislocated ankle, and ankle syndesmosis during the pre-season. He is expected to return to action in June.
“People have been asking what I’ve been doing with my spare time now that I’m not out there playing,” Keane told the club’s website in April. “But I don’t actually have any spare time, I’ve been spending most of time in here (at the club). If anything I have way less time, I’ve been spending 8-9 hours in here a day just to do any little exercise in my rehab. Every minor detail matters when you’re in rehab.”
