SHAUN McKernan has re-signed with Adelaide after a move home to Melbourne failed to materialise during the AFL Trade Period.
McKernan told the Crows at the end of the season he would exercise his right to explore his options but the 32-gamer has now inked a new one-year deal after reassessing his future.
Crows list manager David Noble insisted McKernan had always been a "required player" at West Lakes, despite his desire to play in Melbourne.
"At the end of the season, we had a mature discussion with Shaun and his management about Shaun's future," Noble told afc.com.au.
"We respected Shaun's desire to explore opportunities closer to family and friends in Melbourne, but he is and has always been a required player at our club.
"We believe he has plenty of room for development and think his versatility as a forward and ruckman is important to our playing group."
The 23-year-old, who was drafted at No.28 in the 2009 AFL Draft, said he was excited to be alongside new teammates and insisted he still had more to offer the Crows.
"We've got Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly onboard now and they're going to be great for us … I'm looking forward to working with an experienced key forward like 'Podsy'," McKernan said.
"I've been able to show at times what I'm capable of, but I need to produce that more consistently and make sure I hold my spot when I get in the team.
"I think my best footy is still ahead of me."
Twitter: @AFL_Harry http://afl.to/harrythring
