Sources tell foxfootycomau that Crouch, who has played 95 games for Adelaide, has named St Kilda as their favorite soccer destination for 2021 and beyond
The Saints have offered Crouch a long-term deal that includes triggers to extend the contract for up to five seasons
Watch Fox Footy’s Grand Finale Coverage on Kayo Stream all the latest news and information right up to the first bounce, plus half-time and full-time analysis from the Fox Footy New Commentary Team at Kayo? Get your 14 day free trial & starts broadcasting instantly>
It is understood that the acquisition of Crouch will have no impact on young Giants midfielder Jye Caldwell, who has a choice between Essendon, St Kilda or stay with the Giants The news of Crouch has not was a shock to Caldwell’s camp as he pondered his next move
As a restricted free agent, Adelaide has the right to match the Saints’ offer on Crouch, which would lead to a trade between the two clubs
But if the Ravens chose not to match the offer, they would receive a free agency pay project selection from the AFL
Where that pick would land, however, depends on how the league views Crouch’s St Kilda contract size
Given the terms of the long-term deal, which is between $ 650,000 and $ 700,000 per season, the Crows could be offset with a draft pick that lands immediately after his first-round natural selection – which would be choice 2
LISTEN TO THE LATEST EDITION OF FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP HERE TO SIGN UP FOR ITUNES OR SPOTIFY
As it stands, Adelaide already holds two top 10 caps (picks 1 and 8) as she plans to continue her rebuilding this offseason by targeting the best young talent in the draft
Crouch had garnered great interest from several clubs including Geelong, Port Adelaide and Richmond, but that declined somewhat after being caught with an illicit substance last month, earning him a ban on two matches
Crouch’s desire to join St Kilda comes just over 12 months after he considered a potential transfer to the Gold Coast Suns – a lawsuit that has not been successful
Get all the latest AFL news, highlights and analysis straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail Sign up now!
The 26-year-old stayed with Adelaide for his 2020 horror campaign, with Crouch managing just 12 games due to a hamstring injury
Best and fairer winner, Crouch has been one of the Crows’ top wind-up winners in recent seasons He was ranked No.1 at the club for average contested possessions in 2020
The Saints advanced to the semi-finals this season, but remained seated in the middle of the table for play and the disputed possession differential
Abroad? Stream the 2020 Toyota AFL Finals Series from outside Australia on WatchAFL Every game including the Grand Final live & On-Demand Take your Finals Pass to start streaming>
RELEVANT ADVERTISING NOTE: We collect information about the content (including advertisements) you use on this site and use it to make advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites This is also known as online behavioral advertising Read more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt out
Brad Crouch
World News – UA – Saint Crouch: Gun AFL free agent names his favorite club – and big problem looms