Fresh off signing a new-long deal with Adelaide, midfielder Rory Laird has explained why he and his management pushed for an extended contract.
The Crows announced on Friday that the 27-year-old dual All-Australian had penned a new five-year deal, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2026.
Laird revealed that negotiations had “rapidly progressed” in recent weeks when the Crows offered a deal beyond the initial three-year extension.
“It all happened pretty quickly in the end,” he said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“We started late last year with (a deal around) the three-year mark and then I wasn’t really expecting anything to happen for a little bit.
“Then I got the call and it sort of rapidly progressed in the last couple of weeks, it’s a bit of a weight off my shoulders so now I can just go out and concentrate on my footy.
“There’s nothing that is hanging over my head for the year.”
Laird explained that his strong recent form for the club meant he felt comfortable asking for a longer deal, saying he was thrilled to agree to terms before the 2021 season begins.
“I think I just wanted some long-term security,” he said.
“I think I’ve sort of earnt it over past years of performance, it started at three and then we searched for something a bit longer than that and we settled on five (years), we’re really happy to get it done so early in the year.”
When asked whether he’d ever considering looking at offers elsewhere, Laird said it was never a realistic consideration given preference not to move clubs.
“I don’t think (looking at other clubs) came in (my mind) because of how early (the contract) got done,” he said.
“If it went on for a bit long (and negotiations stalled) then there would have been conversations (with other clubs), but in the end I was really clear and set on staying at Adelaide – I’m an Adelaide boy so I was really stoked to stay and it obviously was my first preference.”