Crows ruck O'Brien signs fresh AFL deal

Adelaide ruckman Reilly O'Brien has signed a contract extension, reducing the chances of the Crows making a play for Collingwood's Brodie Grundy.

O'Brien, who this season has overtaken Sam Jacobs as Adelaide's first-choice ruck, has inked a fresh deal until the end of the 2021 season.

The Crows had been rumoured to be circling star Magpie Grundy, a South Australian native who becomes a free agent at the end of next season.

But the re-signing of O'Brien means Adelaide are unlikely to pursue Grundy.

O'Brien, 23, replaced the injured Jacobs in round three and has been in such strong form his esteemed teammate has remained in the state league since recovering from a knee ailment.

O'Brien is averaging almost 37 hitouts and 15 disposals a game.

"The Crows have shown enormous faith in me so it's fantastic to be able to sign a new deal," O'Brien told the club's website on Friday night.