MELBOURNE has recruited former Adelaide midfielder Aidan Riley as a delisted free agent.

The 183cm tall clearance specialist played 12 matches with the Crows from 2010-12.

Manager of football Josh Mahoney said Riley would bolster Melbourne’s rejuvenated engine room.

“We’re really pleased to have Aidan join the Melbourne Football Club,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Aidan has been a quality performer in the SANFL and at 21 years old – and with four seasons in the AFL system behind him – we feel he is ready to grasp the next opportunity in his football career.

“He will add depth to our midfield, which has been strengthened throughout the recent trade and now delisted free agency period. Aidan also has attributes which could see him playing at both ends of the ground"

Along with Riley, the Demons have now gained young midfielders Dom Tyson (Greater Western Sydney) and Viv Michie (Fremantle), plus experienced duo Bernie Vince (Adelaide) and Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs) in October/November. 

Originally claimed at No.58 in the 2010 NAB AFL Rookie Draft (held December 2009) as a New South Wales scholarship selection, Riley was later elevated to Adelaide’s senior list via the 2011 NAB AFL Draft (No.89 overall).

He made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in round 19, 2011 and played the last five games of the season.

In 2012, he played five matches late in the season, including Adelaide’s second qualifying final loss to the Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium.

His late return to the side came after a broken arm earlier in the year.

This year, he added two more appearances, with his most recent game for Adelaide coming against the West Coast Eagles in round 15.