Mark Keane has returned to his homeland of Ireland to be with his family after the death of his brother Vinny Keane.
The Crows confirmed in a statement that they would be wearing black armbands in their game at the weekend.
That gesture would also be carried across to their SANFL team who will also don black armbands in memory of Mark’s brother, Vinny.
Keane was already enduring a difficult season having suffered a nasty broken leg in pre-season, resulting in the 26-year-old unable to make an appearance so far.
It is the second family tragedy for an Adelaide Crows player after Jordan Dawson’s brother Jaryd Dawson, passed away.
The club and its fans have already shown the level of support they can offer these players in difficult times and it will be no different for Keane.
Mark Keane has returned to Ireland to be with his family following the death of his brother Vinny
The Adelaide Crows star has already endured a difficult season after suffering a nasty leg break in preseason
In a statement on Thursday, Adelaide said, ‘The Adelaide Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to defender Mark Keane, following the passing of his brother, Vinny.
‘Keane has returned to Ireland to be with his family in this difficult time, with Vinny sadly passing away after a battle with a terminal illness.
‘Keane, who is a much-loved member of the football Club, is expected to return to Adelaide next week.
‘The Board, executive, staff, coaches and players have Keane and his family in their collective thoughts and will continue to provide support as they navigate this challenging period.
‘As a mark of respect and in honour of Vinny, Adelaide’s AFL and SANFL players will wear black armbands during their respective matches on the weekend.’
Mark Keane initially moved to Australia in 2019, after he signed with Collingwood.
He would go on to make his debut in the 2020 season, making a total of five appearances.
But the Ireland man struggled with homesickness and returned home with a year left on his Collingwood contract.
Keane then returned to the league in 2023, joining Adelaide, this time he was joined by his partner Caoimha helping him settle.
The 26-year-old was a mainstay for the Crows last season and earned a place in the All Australia squad.
He is now set to make a return in the coming weeks after fracturing his tibia and fibula, dislocating his ankle and suffering an ankle syndesmosis in February.
‘People have been asking what I’ve been doing with my spare time now that I’m not out there playing,’ he told the club’s website in April.
‘But I don’t actually have any spare time, I’ve been spending most of time in here (at the club). If anything I have way less time, I’ve been spending 8-9 hours in here a day just to do any little exercise in my rehab.
‘Every minor detail matters when you’re in rehab.’
The aforementioned Dawson who will no-doubt be able to sympathise with his teammate is set to make his return to lead the Crows after missing their game against Port Adelaide to attend his brother’s funeral.
‘He’s an energy for our group,’ Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said of Dawson.
‘Our group love having him around, he’s been here all week and I know he’s really keen to play.
‘We’ll train today and make sure that everything runs smoothly, but we expect him to play this weekend.’
Dawson has received an outpouring of support from the club since the passing of his brother Jaryd, and the Crows are now rallying around Keane as well.
