Crows’ Crouch seeking St Kilda move as Hartigan exits
UPDATED | Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch wants to join AFL rivals St Kilda, the Crows have confirmed, while veteran defender Kyle Hartigan is also Victoria-bound.
Photo: Michael Errey/InDaily
Crouch has told the Crows he wants to be traded to the Saints as a restricted free agent.
Adelaide’s 2019 club champion fell off-contract with the South Australian club at the end of their season and has been seeking a five-year deal elsewhere, with Geelong and Port Adelaide both ruling themselves out in recent days.
Adelaide today confirmed Crouch had “today informed the club of his decision to explore his options as a restricted free agent”, with Head of Football Adam Kelly adding the list management team “would now investigate a range of avenues to ensure the best possible outcome”.
Under free-agency rules, the Crows can match St Kilda’s offer for Crouch which would then force the clubs into a trade deal.
If Adelaide doesn’t opt to match the offer, they will receive draft pick compensation from the AFL.
The Crows could be given pick No.2 at this year’s draft if the Saints’ offer is more than $700,000 a season.
Adelaide also have the first pick at the draft after finishing last this season.
“We will now consider our options and make decisions that are in the best interests of the Adelaide Football Club,” Kelly said.
Crouch has played 95 games since arriving at West Lakes as a 17-year-old in the 2011 mini draft.
The 26-year-old earlier this month was given a two-match suspension by the AFL after being caught in possession of an illicit drug, believed to be cocaine, in late September.
Crouch’s future in Adelaide has been in question since the end of last season when he was linked with a move Gold Coast, only to remain at the Crows.
The club also today confirmed defender Hartigan “has decided to pursue his rights as an unrestricted free agent and is leaving to return home to Victoria”, where he will sign three-year deal with the Hawks, according to AFL.com.
Hartigan played 113 AFL games after being selected by the Crows as a mature-age player in the 2012 rookie draft.
“Kyle is a quality individual who has consistently given his all both on and off the field during his eight seasons with the Club,” Kelly said.
“He has worked tirelessly with the Adelaide Crows Foundation and will always be a part of the Crows family.
“We wish Kyle, Emily and Hazel all the very best for their move to Victoria.”
The AFL’s free agency window runs from October 30 to November 6.
-AAP
