Matt Crouch has been awarded life membership of the Adelaide Crows

For much of 2023 it was assumed Matt Crouch would not be at Adelaide in 2024. First, he broke back into the side then won a new contract, now he finds his place in Crows history.

When Matt Crouch was drafted by Adelaide from country Victoria 10 years ago he “definitely wouldn’t have envisioned” eventually becoming a life member of the Crows.

For most of last year few expected Crouch to be at the club in 2024.

But Crouch was rewarded for his resilience by earning a new contract at the Crows after breaking back into the side last year.

And on Wednesday night he was awarded life membership of the Crows.

“It is something I definitely wouldn’t have envisioned when I came over here 10 years ago,” the 28-year-old midfielder said.

“To be awarded with life membership of this footy club it means a fair bit to me and I’m really honoured.

“Yeah I remember coming into the footy club and you talk to experienced guys and they talk about how footy is full of ups and downs and that has been the case.

“I’ve had some great times at the footy club and there have been some times when it is quite of a challenge.”

Crouch with fiance Ellie Symons and daughter Ava. Picture: Kelly Barnes

As well as being out of the side for much of the last two years, making 18 AFL appearances across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Crouch also had to overcome not playing a senior game in 2021 because of groin issues.

He said fiance Ellie and baby daughter Ava were key in his ability to overcome the recent challenges.

“It has been amazing having the little one in the world, she has been amazing for us,” he said.

“It does take your mind off footy and make you realise that there are bigger things than footy in the world and it gives you a bit of perspective.”

Crouch – who met both the 10-years’ service and 100-game qualification – was one of five past and present players, coaches and officials who became a Crows life member at Morphettville Racecourse.

AFLW premiership coach and former player Matthew Clarke, long-time administrator Phil Harper, former player and coach Matthew Wright and veteran physio Mark Nagel also received life membership.

Crouch said baby daughter Ava had helped him significantly. Picture: Kelly Barnes

It followed on from premiership captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall becoming the first AFLW players to be awarded life membership of the Crows in December.

Crouch said the challenges he had to overcome over the past three years made his life membership all the more sweeter.

“It does make it a little bit better and a bit special in terms of the times I’ve been through and the ups and downs of footy,” he said.

“That’s true how it can change, but I’m looking forward.

“Our list and our club is in a really strong position and I am really excited about what this group can do this season and beyond.

“I think that is part of what you have to deal with as an AFL footballer, I think there is going to be challenges at times and it is about how you respond to those that defines your character and who you are.

“And I’m quite proud of how I have been able to fight through some challenging times and hopefully I can play some good footy and the team can improve again.”

Frozen out of the side for most of the 2023 season, Crouch played the final six games of the season for the Crows – averaging just over 29 disposals per game.

This led to a new two-year contract with the Crows, when it appeared that his future was away from West Lakes.

Now firmly entrenched in the Crows starting midfield again, the 2017 Malcolm Blight Medallist and All-Australian said he was excited about what Matthew Nicks’ side could do in 2024.

The Crows take on West Coast on Saturday in their pre-season game with a big focus on stoppage after lowering their colours to Port Adelaide in match simulation last week.

Crouch broke back into the Crows side at the back-end of 2023, earning him a new contract (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“We played some good footy in patches but there is a fair bit we can improve on,” Crouch said.

“There’s some stoppage stuff that we can improve on this week and going into Round 1, there were some really good signs from guys and we played some good patches of footy but there are some things that we have to work on ahead of Round 1.

“We have looked at that this week, some things that we are going to tweak and get right and improve on.”

Against the Power exciting small forward Izak Rankine spent a lot of time around stoppages, with the Crows coaching staff keen to get his speed and class in the engine room.

Crouch said he was excited at what Rankine could bring.

“Ranks is obviously a quality player … he gives us a different dynamic and a different look there,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to having Ranks in there and giving him the ball when I can, he is really sharp and gives us some energy as well.”

Originally published as Matt Crouch has been awarded life membership of the Adelaide Crows