RORY Atkins' emergence in Adelaide's midfield has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

The 21-year-old has impressed in the opening part of the season and has signed a new deal that will tie him to the Crows until the end of 2018.

Having been drafted in 2012, the classy left-footer had to wait until round 16 last year – his third season on the club's list – to make his senior debut.

Atkins then played eight of the club's last 10 games of the season, including the Crows' stirring elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs, and has featured in all of Adelaide's games so far this year.

He backed up his breakout 25-possession and one-goal game against the Sydney Swans in round four with a career-high 27 touches in Adelaide's close loss to Hawthorn in round five.

Atkins told afc.com.au that he was thrilled to stay a Crow.

"Adelaide gave me an opportunity four years ago and I’m rapt to have a chance to repay the club," he said.

"I’ve learned so much in my time here already, and believe this is the best environment for me to continue to grow both as a player and a person.

"We’re a close group and committed to working hard to achieve success.

"I’m really looking forward to the exciting times ahead."

Atkins has flourished under new Crows coach Don Pyke and has shown his talents around goal in recent weeks, with the midfielder kicking a goal in five of his past six games.

Atkins' form spike has followed an indifferent pre-season when he, alongside midfielder Brad Crouch, was dropped from the Crows' NAB Challenge side for not meeting team standards.

The former Calder Cannon's development is a success story for the Crows, who picked Atkins with selection No.81 at the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

That year Adelaide was stripped of its first two picks as a result of the Kurt Tippett salary cap scandal, and the Crows' first pick didn't come until No.62.