Alex Keath looks gone as Hugh Greenwood waits for the Crows to “come to the party’’ on his future
St Kilda confirms medical examination for Crow Alex Keath as Hugh Greenwood heads to the US while he waits for the club to “come to the party’’ on his future.
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Alex Keath has one foot out the door but Hugh Greenwood has put the ball back in the Crows’ court as Adelaide’s dual sports stars reach tipping points in their futures.
Both out of contract and seeking long-term deals, former first-class cricketer Keath has been in his home State of Victoria shopping himself to Melbourne clubs — St Kilda has confirmed he has undergone a medical at its Moorabbin headquarters — while ex-Australian basketballer Greenwood has landed in the United States on holiday.
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Greenwood's manager on Wednesday shot down speculation that the big-bodied midfielder had agreed to stay at Adelaide following an Instagram message he posted on Tuesday, saying: “Season 4 in the books. Thank you to those that continue to make this crazy dream a reality. 2020 is about to be the best yet.”
Michael Oakes, from Elevation Sports Agency, said nothing should be read into Greenwood's social media post but reiterated that his client’s preference was to re-sign with the Crows.
But Greenwood, who has played 51 games in four years at Adelaide after being selected as a Category B rookie, wants the club to come to the party on a long-term deal.
This has been put on hold while Adelaide undergoes an external review conducted by a four-man panel, including AFL greats Jason Dunstall and Matthew Pavlich.
“I don’t think much is going to be done contract-wise at the Crows for anyone now until the review is over,’’ Oakes told The Advertiser.
“We’re waiting for the Crows to get back to us at some point and if they come to the party, fantastic, because that’s exactly what Hugh wants, he wants to stay at the club.
“If they don't, then we’ll look at other things because Hugh has options.
“We’re not racing around and pushing things because nothing can be done until trade week (in October) anyway and even if was to accept a deal with another club, the Crows would still have to play ball.
“But it should be noted that Hugh hasn’t requested a trade.’’
Greenwood, 27, was on Wednesday moved to apologise for “any false hope/confusion surrounding my contract’’.
“The so called “cryptic” post, which I do every year, is simply to thank fans, the club, and my personal sponsors for their support over the past season, while throwing a positive outlook for 2020,’’ he posted on twitter.
While Greenwood, who has been linked to Hawthorn, Gold Coast and Brisbane, remains in limbo, Keath has been out and about selling himself to clubs in Victoria in a clear sign he has made his mind up about leaving the Crows, who threw him an AFL lifeline four years ago after he had played first-class and Big Bash cricket.
The 27-year-old key defender has played 30 AFL games, including a career-high 18 this year, and won the Showdown Medal as best afield in Adelaide’s round eight victory against arch rival Port Adelaide.
He is understood to have been courted by St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and the Hawks.
Saints chief executive Matt Finnis confirmed Keath had a medical examination at the club on Monday.
“There’s no hiding when the TV cameras are parked out the front and a player comes by to do a medical,” Finnis said.
“I think all Saints fans would expect that as a footy club that wants to improve, we would put ourselves in as many conversations as we can.
“If there’s players who are looking to change teams or come to Melbourne, then we’re happy to have those conversations.”
Ruckman Sam Jacobs and midfielders Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Riley Knight and David Mackay are other Crows who are out of contract and whose futures remain in limbo while contracted small forward Eddie Betts has been linked with a move to Carlton or Gold Coast.
Originally published as Alex Keath looks gone as Hugh Greenwood waits for the Crows to “come to the party’’ on his future