Rory Atkins Biography

Rory Atkins officially joins Gold Coast as a free agent on what is believed to be a five-year deal worth approximately $400,000 per season.

In return, the Crows will receive an end-of-round-two compensation pick.

Rory Atkins is on the hunt for a new home in 2021 as an unrestricted free agent after reportedly falling out of favour under new coach Matthew Nicks.

"Rory is a quality person, popular and highly respected by everyone at our club. We respect and appreciate his honesty in coming to us and putting forward his intentions," Crows head of football Adam Kelly said.

"After a great deal of thought and discussion, we mutually agreed that it is best for Rory to be released from his commitments at the club."

Ben Davis will make his senior debut for the Crows this Friday against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

"He's a high half-forward, leads up at the ball really well, gives us a great contest and fits into our system perfectly," Crows teammate Rory Atkins said about Davis.

"It's always that little bit more special when guys have had to wait a little bit longer. Ben's worked his backside off, and we're all looking forward to playing with him."

Rory Atkins says being dropped to the state league in 2018 proved to be a benefit to him.

"I lost my way a bit due to what works for myself … playing with confidence, taking the game on and not being hesitant to kick the ball," Atkins said.

"I saw myself get that right in the SANFL and coming back and hitting the ground running with those same values that the coach gave me to work on.

"I was happy with the way I responded there, but in an ideal world, I wouldn't be playing in the SANFL."

Rory Atkins has pressed the reset button on his 2018 season, and admits it took a stint in the SANFL to restore some much-needed edge to his game.

The 24-year-old was one of the Crows' best in Showdown 45, collecting 29 possessions (22 contested), 11 marks and five tackles.

"You kind of forget what works for you and what kind of footy you can play, and you go back there (the SANFL) and it kind of peps you up a bit," he said.

"I enjoyed that, but as much as I was trying to enjoy it, I didn't want to stay down there for long at all.

"I see myself back in the team playing some decent footy, knowing that it is AFL footy – you can't take it for granted, you just can't fall into the motions and think you'll be selected each week."

Rory Atkins is dropped from the Crows' side to face West Coast at Adelaide Oval.

"For Rory, it's a form issue, which leads to a bit of loss of confidence," Crows coach Don Pyke said.

"He's got some real clear focus areas and feedback in terms of things to work on in his game.

"We know the quality of the player, but at the moment he's not playing well enough to command a spot in the team."

Rory Atkins signs a new two-year deal with Adelaide to remain at the club until the end of 2020.

"Adelaide is a great place to live and play football so it’s great that I get to call it home for at least another two years," Atkins said.

"The club gave me my chance to play AFL football and I’m really grateful for that and want to repay that faith."

Rory Atkins says he was unaware that his name was thrown up in trade discussions for Carlton star Bryce Gibbs.

"I was actually in America at the time and I had no idea about it, saw an article written and it was the first time I heard anything about it," Atkins said.

"I called my manager straight away and he said, 'No mate, we haven't spoken to the club about that'."

Atkins says he is keen to improve his consistency, having trained for a week at the University of Southern California football program during the off-season.

"Just not fading in and out of games," Atkins said of his goals for 2017.

"I played a few good games last year where I got a bit of the ball, and also playing to team structures.

"I feel I can go to the next level this year and really impose my mark on some football games."

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.

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

Brad Crouch and Rory Atkins are dropped from the Crows team to take on Gold Coast in their NAB Challenge match for disciplinary reasons.

Coach Don Pyke said the decision to omit the pair was taken following a recommendation by the Adelaide leadership group.

"Our players have established a trademark and standards which govern their behaviour both on and off the field," Pyke said.

"In this instance, Brad and Rory did not meet those standards when the playing group had a break from training over the weekend.

"Both boys were really contrite and disappointed in themselves. They understand they've let themselves down and they've let their teammates down."

Rory Atkins left Adelaide Oval on Sunday after his AFL debut convinced that he had experienced senior football at its most intense.

Atkins made his debut as the substitute in the Crows' three-point win over Port Adelaide, forced onto the field in the second term when Daniel Talia was concussed.

The 21-year-old managed six possessions in his 52 per cent of game time.

"I wasn't overwhelmed as such, but I was still sitting on the bench pinching myself a bit, like, 'I could come on at any stage here, I'm actually here to play'," Atkins said.

"Considering the circumstances of the past fortnight and what's happened, if I'm to play again it won't be as heated – unless it's a finals-type game.

"So I think it'll hold me in good stead … with the intensity of what's to come."

Rory Atkins makes his AFL debut for Adelaide at Adelaide Oval with 6 disposals (4 kicks and 2 handballs), a mark and a tackle in a 3-point win over Port Adelaide.

Rory Atkins will spend up to three months on the sidelines after injuring his knee at training.

Atkins damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and, while he'll avoid surgery, the 20-year-old will wear a brace for several weeks.

After giving up two early draft picks in the 2012 national draft, the Crows pick up Lauderdale's Sam Siggins with pick 62 and Calder Cannon Rory Atkins with number 81.

"He's been ranked as one of the top 30 kids in Australia in his year and we've picked him up in the 80s," Ogilvie said of Atkins.

"He's a bubbly kid, enthusiastic, got a bit of cheek, he'll enjoy our club.

"I like these two players a lot and I'm really rapt we've got them at the footy club."