Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch set to stay at the Crows as clubs look towards his free agency
Geelong has entered the race for Brad Crouch. However, this may be a long term play, with the Cats and other clubs looking ahead to his free agency year. But where does that leave him with the Crows?
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Geelong has formed part of a stack of rival interest for Brad Crouch this year, but the Adelaide midfielder is set to stay put during this trade period.
But Crouch, who wants a lucrative five-year deal from the Crows, is facing an uncertain long-term future.
The best and fairest midfielder becomes a restricted free agent at the end of next year and the Herald Sun has confirmed the Cats are among six clubs who have expressed interest.
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With clubs like Geelong and Gold Coast knowing they would have to cough up a significant price to secure the 25-year-old, snaring him for no outlay under free agency rules in 12 months’ time holds appeal.
Crouch’s preference is to remain with the Crows, but his contract request is highly unlikely to be sanctioned any time soon given the new coach will want to assess the list over the coming months and into next season.
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Geelong’s trading of Tim Kelly to West Coast has armed the Cats with picks 14, 17, 24, 36, 37, 93 in next month’s draft.
Geelong has not enquired about Crouch since the Kelly deal went through, but would be able to find the cash to afford him given it had made a Kelly an offer said to be worth around $800,000 a season.