Midfield star Brad Crouch opens contract negotiations with Adelaide in bid to secure five-year deal and one-club status
Adelaide star Brad Crouch has restarted contract discussions with the club ahead of season 2020, as he looks to ink a multimillion-dollar deal that will keep him at the Crows for at least another five years.
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Brad Crouch has reopened contract negotiations with Adelaide, reinforcing his commitment to be a one-club player under Matthew Nicks – but at a fair market price.
Few players enjoy intense scrutiny surrounding contract negotiations and 26-year-old Crouch is adamant his next AFL deal will be the last he signs over a minimum five years.
Buoyed by Adelaide’s 2019 club champion award and peak pre-season condition, Crouch’s management reopened negotiations with Adelaide today, which stalled over the Christmas/New Year period.
Crouch’s manager, Garry Winter, director of W Sports and Media, confirmed negotiations with the Crows had recommenced despite speculation they would be delayed until the start of the regular season.
“We have open lines of communication with the club, but Brad’s focus is on playing his best footy and he has had a very strong pre-season,” Winter told The Advertiser.
Crouch wants to underpin any final signature – and contract value – with strong early season displays.
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“Brad is keen to consolidate after winning the club championship and is looking forward to getting runs on the board,” Winter said.
Crouch’s market value is considered up to one million dollars per season, while suitors led by Gold Coast remain interested.
It’s understood Crouch would accept under the magic million-dollar mark to remain a Crow in a five-plus season deal.
Adelaide is sensitive to its retention record following high-profile exits of Patrick Dangerfield, Phil Davis, Jack Gunston and Kurt Tippett, while fan favourite Eddie Betts left due to unhappiness last season.
Nicks’ appointment has restored West Lakes as an attractive environment – and certainty for players – underlined this week by gifted Wayne Milera’s monster five-year contract and defender Luke Brown’s extended commitment.
Adelaide’s list is buying-in to relatable Nicks’ long-term vision for the club and remains capable of a surge back into the top eight this season.
However, the length of time and remuneration list manager Justin Reid is willing to outlay will decide whether Crouch remains with brother Matt in Adelaide for 2021 and beyond. Victorian Crouch is on the record saying he ‘wants a bit of security’ entering his prime years.
What is certain, commercial realities must override club loyalty if there is a significant discrepancy in what Adelaide and rivals offer.
A 20 per cent gap in offers from Adelaide and opposition clubs for the off-contract midfielder would give Crouch little option but to accept the security of a career-deal.
Adelaide’s proactive move on Milera could bode well for Crouch.
The Crows’ position will be counterbalanced by the need to protect the club given Crouch’s injury interrupted, 83-game run since 2012.
The class of Brad Crouch and Milera backed by prolific ball-winner Matt Crouch then emerging Chayce Jones represent the linchpins of Adelaide’s engine room, long-term under Nicks.