Jenkins, who had been at loggerheads with the club over the length of their proposed contract, has walked away from protracted negotiations a winner, with the 27-year-old now contracted until the end of 2021.

“I mentioned from the very start that I was keen to stay in Adelaide. I always had that intention,” Jenkins told the club website today, ahead of a media conference this afternoon.

“I really believe in what we’ve built here and what we can continue to achieve going forward.”

Nonetheless, his signature didn’t come cheap for the Crows, who began the year with a significantly lighter offer on the table. But Jenkins held the stronger hand, having bagged 44 goals for the season thus far – including a career best eight against the Western Bulldogs in May – and reportedly fielding a lucrative long-term offer from the struggling Lions.

He will cost the Crows a reported $550,000 per year for his tenure, but the club is banking on his continued improvement and value as a pinch-hit option in ruck.

“We are rapt Josh has decided to stay as his form and progress this season has been fantastic,” coach Don Pyke said.

“Josh’s talent as a forward has been on show for everyone to see, but equally important is the work he has done to build and evolve his leadership qualities both on and off the field… 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.”

A former basketballer, Jenkins was recruited from Essendon, where he failed to play a senior game, as an insurance policy for the looming departure of fellow big-man Kurt Tippett.