AFL: Mark Keane set for lengthy injury layoff after suffering serious ankle injury

The Cork native will require surgery after suffering a nasty ankle injury in Adelaide Crows training.

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026 - 12:28

Shane Donovan

AFL star Mark Keane is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a lower leg fracture in Adelaide Crows training.

The 25-year-old Keane landed awkwardly after being involved in a contest with teammate Finnbar Maley and was visibly distressed as he was taken from the field with a nasty-looking ankle injury.

The Cork native is set to undergo surgery and is likely to be absent for three to four months, in a major blow to the Crows, given the former Rebels dual talent's 2025 form.

Keane played all of the Crows' 25 games last season as on his way to being named on the All-Australian team.

“The club will be in a position to communicate details around his rehabilitation and return to play timeframe in the coming days,” Adelaide Crows said in a statement.

Crows coach Matthew Nicks added when speaking to FiveAA radio:“Look as far as I’m aware to this point, it’s around three or four months.”