Crows forward Josh Jenkins agrees to part ways with Adelaide Football Club as off-season changes continue at West Lakes
Josh Jenkins is set to leave the Crows — and cop a significant pay cut — as Port’s Paddy Ryder requests a trade to St Kilda.
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Josh Jenkins has almost certainly played his last game for Adelaide, with the club agreeing to trade the disgruntled key forward.
In what looms as a massive off season of change at the troubled Crows, Jenkins and the club have mutually agreed to part ways.
“After recent conversations it became clear that it is in the best interests of both parties that Josh looks to reinvigorate his career at another club,” Adelaide general manager of list and strategy Justin Reid said.
“We are committed to working closely with Josh and Paul (Jenkins’ manager Paul Connors) to ensure there is an outcome suitable for both parties.”
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While out-of-contract veteran Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder has officially requested a trade to St Kilda, where he has been offered a two-year deal, Jenkins felt the writing was on the wall for him at the Crows after he spent much of the year in the SANFL.
Connors said the 30-year-old would take a “significant pay cut’’ to play at another AFL club.
“We’ll go anywhere,’’ Jenkins told AFL Trade Radio.
“It’s a unique opportunity (to play AFL), so I won’t sit here and only pick a few clubs.
“The club will look to reinvigorate the list with youth. I still feel I can play good footy and will look to do that elsewhere
“It’s been agreed I’ll look at other opportunities. I think it’s mutually beneficial for both of us.”
It is understood former Bomber Jenkins, who has kicked 296 goals in 147 games for Adelaide since 2012, is keen on a move to a Victorian club.
Jenkins said if a trade cannot be orchestrated he would be “more than willing’’ to see out his contract with the Crows.
But it is almost certain he will find a new AFL home.
“There is an opportunity to play out my contract and I’m more than willing to do that,’’ Jenkins said.
“But if it can be worked out, I’ll certainly be playing somewhere else next year.”
Jenkins, who signed a five-year deal in July, 2016, worth about $700,000 a season, has been linked with Geelong.
But the Crows, who have parted ways with coach Don Pyke and are in a massive rebuilding phase, might have to pay a portion of his salary.
Veteran small forward Eddie Betts (Carlton), key defender Alex Keath (Western Bulldogs or St Kilda) and big-bodied midfielder Hugh Greenwood (Gold Coast) are also poised to leave while there is some doubt over star midfielder Brad Crouch’s future as the Suns come hard for him.
All-Australian defender Rory Laird will be staying at Adelaide, with Connors quashing speculation that he would be seeking a trade.
“Lairdy’s fine, he’ll be staying,’’ Connors said.
Originally published as Crows forward Josh Jenkins agrees to part ways with Adelaide Football Club as off-season changes continue at West Lakes