Adelaide star forward Josh Jenkins reckons there was something his AFL suitors couldn’t promise in their lucrative contract offers – comfort.
Jenkins on Thursday ended months of speculation about his future, signing a five-year contract extension reported to be worth about $550,000 a year.
The 27-year-old’s career-best form this season, booting 44 goals and averaging 5.7 marks per game, has helped the Crows surge to second on the ladder.
But the Victorian native says his decision to knock back generous offers from interstate clubs wasn’t just about on-field success.
“I just put a high price on being comfortable and happy where we are,” Jenkins said.
“My girlfriend and I sat down and spoke about a lot of things. I said I didn’t want to find a new dog-walker and I didn’t want to have to get a new hairdresser.
“I think it says a lot about the fact that I’m actually happy in Adelaide itself.
“Football does consume most of our lives but there’s a lot of time when we’re away from the club as well.”
Jenkins, whose contract had been due to expire at the end of the year, said he had always intended to stay put despite interest from a number of rivals.
He also alluded to the shock death of former coach Phil Walsh last year and the impact it had in bringing teammates closer together.
“We’re all here for success. The reason I’ve been more than happy to commit for so long is because I don’t think we’re far away from that,” he told the Crows’ website.
“With the demographic of the group, what we’ve been through and how we’ve become so close, and with the team playing such good football, I think we can sustain that.”
Coach Don Pyke said Jenkins had developed into a strong leader on and off the field with an exemplary work ethic.
“We are rapt Josh has decided to stay as his form and progress this season has been fantastic,” Pyke said.
“He provides real flexibility and balance to our line-up, can play minutes in the ruck and is always keen to learn and improve his game.”
Jenkins, a late bloomer who made his AFL debut aged 23, was drafted by Essendon but traded to Adelaide in 2011 before playing a game.
The powerful forward said he was confident his delayed start would allow him to keep playing well into his 30s.
