Devastating impact of drug bungle to hot trade target Brad Crouch

Brad Crouch has gone from one of the hottest commodities on the AFL trade market to radioactive — and it could prompt a shock backflip.

Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle being investigated

Kane Cornes says Brad Crouch could be forced to return to the Crows with his “tail between his legs” as his trade stocks plummet in the wake of a drug scandal.

Crouch and young teammate Tyson Stengle were stopped by police in Adelaide on Monday morning and allegedly found to be in possession of an illicit substance in a blow to both player’s prospects.

Twelve months after reportedly seeking a big-money move away from South Australia, Crouch was said to be in the sights of Geelong and Port Adelaide this off-season.

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But Cornes isn’t sure the calls will be coming anymore.

“I can’t imagine there is another club right now that would go after Brad Crouch on the back of this,” Cornes told Footy Classified.

“(And) not only just for this, but the way he’s carried himself over the past 12 months and the way he has hurt his value, from shopping himself around and asking for a ridiculous price last year to averaging 13 games across eight seasons of footy.

“His body continually lets him down. He didn’t finish in Adelaide’s top 10 in the best and fairest, which is saying something.

“Perhaps his only option is to walk back with his tail between his legs and sign a two-year deal at the Crows.”

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said prospective clubs would be doing extra background research on the midfielder now.

“They say a leopard never changes its spots and this is pretty ordinary at a time where he wants multiple years and big money,” Lloyd said.

Brad Crouch.

Tyson Stengle.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Crouch and Stengle were stopped in the city precinct with police allegedly catching them “in the possession of an illicit substance”.

A statement from the club on Monday afternoon confirmed an investigation would be taking place into the incident.

“Adelaide is investigating an incident involving two of its players from the early hours of this morning,” the club statement read.

“Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle were stopped by police and allegedly caught in the possession of an illicit substance in the city precinct.

“The Club understands neither player will be charged and instead police have referred them to a counselling process.”

Crouch and Stengle released a joint statement through their management on Monday.

“We acknowledge the statement made by the Adelaide Football Club earlier today,” it read.

“We unconditionally accept responsibility. We accept that our error of judgment is not in-line with community expectations nor the high standards we set for ourselves. In this regard, we are committed to the counselling process that SA Police has implemented to manage this and will continue to co-operate with our club as required.

“We will be making no further comments until any club process is concluded.”

South Australia police released a statement on the incident involving the two players on Monday afternoon.

“At 5.15am on Monday 28 September 2020, police spoke with a 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old man on Grenfell Street, Adelaide. As a result, both men were drug diverted,” the statement read.

According to SA Health, the drug diversion program makes it mandatory for police to divert adults caught with “simple possession drug offences” into a health assessment rather than the criminal justice system.

W Sports & Media provide the following statement on behalf of Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle. pic.twitter.com/WsXEjptkaz

— W Sports & Media (@wsportsandmedia) September 28, 2020

Crouch, 26, is a free agent and has been linked with several rival clubs but suitors could now think otherwise following this incident.

Channel 7’s Tom Browne believes two clubs linked to chasing Crouch could potentially pull big money offers.

“Very dumb by Crouch. Geelong and Port are poised to offer big money. They’re going to look at this alleged incident and ask real questions,” Browne wrote.

Crouch and his management were due to meet with the Crows on Monday over his future, but contract talks were put on hold.

Very dumb by Crouch. Geelong and Port are poised to offer big money. They’re going to look at this alleged incident and ask real questions.

— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) September 28, 2020

Crows head of football Adam Kelly was left disappointed by the players’ breach.

“First and foremost, the alleged conduct is serious and we will continue to ask questions and make sure we have all of the facts before settling on a definitive position going forward,” Kelly said in the club’s statement.

“The Club will also liaise closely with the AFL and AFL Players Association during this process, including working through any consequences under the AFL’s illicit drug policy.

“What is absolutely clear is that all players across the League are well educated about drug use and relevant policies.

“As an organisation, we take a very strong stance against any behaviour of this kind.

“The wellbeing of Brad and Tyson is also paramount and we will make sure they receive appropriate support.”

Crouch, 26, is a free agent and has been linked with several rival clubs but suitors could now think otherwise following this incident.

Channel 7’s Tom Browne believes two clubs linked to chasing Crouch could potentially pull big money offers.

Very dumb by Crouch. Geelong and Port are poised to offer big money. They’re going to look at this alleged incident and ask real questions.

— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) September 28, 2020

Stengle, 21, was involved in a drink driving incident earlier in the season when he was allegedly caught drink driving in an unregistered car while disqualified.

Adelaide endured a nightmare 2020 season on the field, going winless through the first 13 games before ultimately finishing the season 3-14.