ELECTRIC Adelaide defender Wayne Milera has signed a five-year extension until the end of 2025.
The 22-year-old – who was out of contract at the end of the season - has played 60 AFL games since being taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NAB AFL National Draft.
"I'm absolutely pumped to get it out of the way before the season starts," Milera told reporters on Thursday.
"I opted for the longer deal (because of) the security and where the club's going, I'm happy with where it's all at.
"New coach, great vibe around the club … I'm really excited for the next five years."
There's been plenty of change at the Crows – who reached the Grand Final in 2017 only to miss the finals the past two years – in the past six months.
Fresh off signing a new five-year deal, versatile Crow Wayne Milera says he plays his best football across halfback with spurts through the midfield @AFLcomau pic.twitter.com/qHyECjx5uQ
— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) February 6, 2020
Senior coach Don Pyke stepped down at the end of last season, while head of football Brett Burton and senior assistant coach Scott Camporeale were sacked in the wake of an external review.
Milera praised the impact first-year coach Matthew Nicks had made in reinvigorating the playing group.
"I just love the vibe at the club at the moment," he said.
"Nicksy's brought in some new stuff, new game plan. You're learning about that, a bit of everything."
Milera has played a variety of positions, including across half-back, through the midfield, on the wing and as a pressure forward.
But it's in defence where he wants to spend the majority of the time while also pinch-hitting on the ball.
"I play my best footy down back with spurts in the midfield, that's where I'd like to end up," Milera said.
"I'm not sure of the exact split, but I'd say I'd start at halfback and pinch-hit in the midfield. I think it's important to play multiple roles.
"When situations happen in the game where someone might have (got injured), you might be needed to play a different role, so you need to play everywhere."
South Australian product Milera is the first Crows player to be contracted until 2025, and the first since captain Rory Sloane in 2018 to sign a five-year extension.
Attention will now turn to re-signing reigning best and fairest Brad Crouch, who will be a restricted free agent at the end of this year.
Wingman Rory Atkins, defender Kyle Hartigan and youngsters Jordan Gallucci and Elliott Himmelberg are among those who are also out of contract after this season
