The Adelaide Football Club is mourning the death of Irish defender Mark Keane's brother, Vinny, who passed away after a battle with a terminal illness. Keane has returned to Ireland to be with his family during this difficult time.
The club released a statement on Thursday expressing its deepest sympathies. Keane, who is a much-loved member of the club, is expected to return to Adelaide next week. As a mark of respect, Adelaide's AFL and SANFL players will wear black armbands during their matches this weekend.
This tragedy comes just weeks after the death of Crows captain Jordan Dawson's brother, Jaryd. Dawson is set to lead the side against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday after missing last week's Showdown win over Port Adelaide.
Keane has yet to play this season after suffering a serious broken leg in February, fracturing his fibia and tibula, dislocating his ankle, and suffering an ankle syndesmosis. He is in the mix to return in the coming weeks.
The 26-year-old defender first moved to Australia ahead of the 2019 season with Collingwood, debuted in 2020, but returned to Ireland due to homesickness. He made a comeback with Adelaide ahead of the 2023 campaign and barely missed a game across 2024-25, making the All Australian squad last year.
