I assume he stays at the Crows but this guy is just what we need.

Crows keen to sign hot defender as Vic clubs put out the feelers

ADELAIDE is doing everything it can to retain out-of-contract defender Alex Keath as Victorian rivals circle for his signature.

The 27-year-old former cricketer has been a revelation this season, with his intercept marking and positional play putting him in the discussion for All Australian honours.

Keath has played 24 career games, with half of those coming this season, but is yet to ink a new deal with the Crows.

Veteran Richard Douglas said it was imperative the Crows hung on to Keath, who joined the club as a category B rookie at the end of 2015.

"The club would be very keen to secure Alex," Douglas told reporters on Wednesday.

"His development this year has been outstanding.

"I understand he'd be in high demand, particularly back in Victoria, but for the club and for Alex, it'd be fantastic to get a deal done."

The 197cm Keath has averaged 17.8 disposals and 6.3 marks per game this season.

He is ranked first in the competition for intercepts with 107 at an average of 8.92, while he is 20th in the League for marks.

Keath also won the Showdown Medal for his 26-disposal, five-mark performance in his side's 20-point win against Port Adelaide in round eight.

He will play a vital role as the resurgent Crows aim for their third straight win when they host Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.