AFL 2023: Shane McAdam requests trade from Adelaide to Melbourne

A wantaway Adelaide forward has informed the club of where he wants to play in 2024.

Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch Picture: Paul Kane / Getty Images

Adelaide will enter trade talks with Melbourne to facilitate a move for Shane McAdam after the dynamic forward nominated the Demons as his preferred club.

McAdam, who is out of contract, told the Crows last week he wanted to leave the club in a surprise move after 50 games in five seasons at West Lakes.

The 28-year-old was recruited by Adelaide as a mature age pre-draft selection before the 2019 season, and is not eligible for free agency.

The Crows said last week a contract offer had been put in front of McAdam, saying they “would be disappointed if he did not continue his career at West Lakes.”

“Adelaide forward Shane McAdam has informed the club of his desire to be traded to the Melbourne Football Club,” the Crows’ statement read on Thursday.

“The Crows were keen to retain McAdam and he had been offered a contract during the season, as he is viewed as an important player.

“Adelaide will work to secure the best possible outcome during the trade period which begins on October 9.”

The Crows said they wanted to keep Shane McAdam, who booted four goals in their narrow loss to Brisbane in round 22. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

The 183cm forward, who plays with an impressive aerial presence for his size, only managed seven games in 2023, but booted seven goals over rounds 21 and 22 in a burst of form which could attract several suitors.

McAdam played 15 games in each of the previous two seasons, booting 23 and 25 goals.

His decision to depart Adelaide came as experienced midfielder Matt Crouch told SEN he was eager to continue at the club despite the uncertainty of his past two seasons.

Crouch signed a two-year deal last week after overcoming a long stint at reserves level to star in six consecutive games at the end of the season, averaging 29 disposals and seven clearances to be one of the most influential midfielders in the competition over the final rounds.

“It’s great to secure a deal for the next two years … it was obviously a tough season at times, but the last six weeks I got a bit of a reward for effort – it was good to play some decent footy,” Crouch said on Wednesday.

Matt Crouch says he thoroughly enjoyed playing after breaking back into Adelaide’s side, and was keen to stick with the Crows despite being overlooked for months. Picture: David Mariusz / AAP

“I came in against Melbourne and played OK, and from then on we played alright as a midfield group and the balance was pretty good in there, so hopefully that can continue into next year.

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t at times, there were times playing SANFL footy … I definitely questioned whether I’d get back to AFL level. At times I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get back to the level that I wanted to play at, but it worked out in the end.”

Crouch said he had communicated regularly with Crows coach Matthew Nicks on why he was being kept out of the side, with concerns his similarity to accumulator Rory Laird would throw out the balance of Adelaide’s midfield.

“Obviously at times, I was playing some decent footy at the SANFL level, the messaging I was getting from Nicksy and the coaching group was a little bit around the mix in the midfield at the time, with Lairdy being a similar type to me, and then I was lucky enough to get my opportunity when Lairdy was injured,” he said.

I loved my footy when I got out there … I bid my time away in the SANFL but when I got my chance I felt like I was ready and was able to play some decent footy.”

Crouch, 28, said he had handled the pressure of another contract year better than other seasons like 2022, when he had fallen out of favour but no rival clubs came knocking.

“I feel like years previously where I’ve been out of contract, I’ve spoken with my manager a fair bit throughout the season, at times that can distract you,” he said.

“It can be stressful at times, but I felt like I dealt with it better than I have in the past this year, that’s for sure.”