Alex Keath joins the growing list of Adelaide Crows players requesting trades, settling on Western Bulldogs as his preferred trade destination

After playing 30 games for the Crows since his debut season in 2017, 27-year-old defender Alex Keath has requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs.

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Out-of-contract Crows key defender Alex Keath — who’s enjoyed a standout 2019 season — has told the Adelaide Football Club that he wants out and hopes to become a Bulldog.

He has told the Crows that he wishes to be traded to the Western Bulldogs in 2020 after he failed to secure the contract he desired to stay at West Lakes.

The former Victorian state cricketer, 27, is likely to get a four-year deal if he lands at Whitten Oval.

Keath joins a growing list of Crows players leaving the club, including ruckman Sam Jacobs, key forward Josh Jenkins, midfielder Richard Douglas, while speculation still swirls around the likes of Hugh Greenwood, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Brad Crouch and fan favourite Eddie Betts.

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Alex Keath is congratulated by his teammates after being named the Showdown Medallist in round eight this year. Picture: SARAH REED

It ends weeks of rumours that Keath would leave Adelaide, after he confirmed he’d headed into St Kilda’s Moorabbin headquarters earlier this month to undergo a medical.

It is understood that he was being courted not only by the Bulldogs, but by St Kilda and Hawthorn.

The Crows issued a statement on Thursday afternoon: “Defender Alex Keath has informed the Adelaide Football Club that he would prefer to continue his career at the Western Bulldogs.

“The club and Keath’s management team will work together to ensure a satisfactory outcome is reached for both parties during the upcoming trade period.

Alex Keath has confirmed he has requested a trade away from West Lakes to join the Western Bulldogs, but speculation still swirls around the future of Eddie Betts. Photo: AAP IMAGE/DAVID MARIUZ

“The 27-year-old joined the Crows as a mature Category B rookie in 2016 and has since played 30 AFL games. The AFL trade period starts on Monday, October 7.”

In the draft, the Bulldogs currently hold picks 12, 30 and 41, and footy insiders wonder whether the Bulldogs could be willing to give up their first-round draft pick to add to their defence.

Keath kicked his one and only AFL career goal in round seven this year and the following week followed it up by winning the Showdown Medal against arch rivals Port Adelaide, where the 27-year-old picked up 26 disposals.

He stepped up in defence for Adelaide when key defender Tom Doedee suffered a season-ending ACL injury in round one against Hawthorn.