Adelaide star Brad Crouch announces shock free agency destination

AFL star Brad Crouch has officially requested to leave the Crows announcing a shock new club as his preferred home for 2021.

Brad Crouch is out the door.

Crows midfield star Brad Crouch has informed the club he wants to join St Kilda as a restricted free agent.

The ball-winner on Wednesday responded to reports St Kilda had emerged as the front-runner to lure him away from the Crows by officially announcing his decision to leave Adelaide after eight seasons.

The Saints had worked their way to the front of the queue after Geelong pulled out of the race following star forward Jeremy Cameron’s announcement he wants to join the Cats.

Crouch reportedly flirted with leaving the Crows at the end of 2019 with reports of a big-money contract offer, but no deal could be done with the under-contract star.

Crouch could be the final piece to the Saints’ premiership puzzle after the club took huge strides forward in 2020 to reach the second week of the finals.

Catch Fox Footy’s Grand Final Week coverage on Kayo. Stream all the latest news and insight right up until first bounce plus half-time and full-time analysis from the Fox Footy commentary team. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

After a series of busy years in the AFL Trade Period, the Saints still may have one busy year left, should the Crows choose to match Crouch’s free agency offer in a bid to force the Saints to offer a trade.

According to reports, the Crows could end up with the No. 2 pick as free agency compensation if Crouch leaves via free agency.

Don’t leave.

However, depending on the size of the contract St Kilda offer to Crouch, the Crows could also end up with a compensation pick at the end of the first round of the 2020 draft.

Crows board member Mark Ricciuto responded to the news on Wednesday by saying the club hasn’t yet decided if it will match the offer.

Port Adelaide and Richmond had previously been interested in signing Crouch, but they left the race following Crouch’s two-match ban for allegedly possessing an illicit substance.

Crouch and young teammate Tyson Stengle were stopped by police in Adelaide in September and allegedly found to be in possession of an illicit substance.

SWANS EMERGE AS SHOCK SUITORS FOR HOGAN

Star forward Jesse Hogan’s miserable Fremantle stint is over with the club reportedly informing rival clubs he is on the trade table.

Hogan faced an uncertain future heading into the off-season after a season where he played just seven games.

Hogan was also earlier this month fined $8000 by a Western Australian court after breaching quarantine requirements.

The 25-year-old’s career was rumoured to be at the crossroads at the Dockers, despite having a full season to run on his contract.

The Age reported Tuesday rival clubs have been told the Dockers will be open to trade offers to let Hogan move on.

Another report from Channel 7’s Ryan Daniels on Tuesday revealed the Swans have already declared their interest in Hogan after missing out on Bombers star Joe Daniher.

“I’m told the club are not actively shopping him around for trade,” Daniels posted on Twitter regarding Hogan.

“Hogan, his management and Freo will sit down in 2 wks to discuss his future. All on same page.

Jesse Hogan would rather forget his two years in Perth.

“On the flip side, the @sydneyswans have enquired about trading for Hogan. There are hundreds of conversations every year about players - 95% don’t eventuate to anything. It’s just how it works. Still a strong chance Jesse is at the Dockers next year.”

Fremantle has endured a turbulent list management year with several experienced players moved on — and reports claim out-of-favour midfielder Connor Blakely will also join the exit queue.

Blakely avoided being delisted, but the club is reportedly hoping to ship him off during the 2020 Trade Period.