Crouch announces retirement

Veteran Crows midfielder Matt Crouch has called time on his 12-year AFL career, effective immediately.

The 2017 Malcolm Blight Medallist and All-Australian featured in 164 games for the Club since joining via the National Draft (Pick 23) in 2013.

The decision comes following medical advice given to Crouch due to ongoing and persistent hip issues.

The 30-year-old informed his teammates on Tuesday afternoon at West Lakes.

“To have played more than 160 games of AFL footy for this Club is something I’ll forever be proud of,” Crouch said.

“I can sit here and point to the hip issues as the reason for retiring, and it of course factored in, but to be honest I feel really content and ready to move on to the next stage of my life.

“I spent 12 years at the Crows. I got engaged, became a father, built lifelong friendships and made some of the best memories anyone can have.

“I leave extremely grateful for my time and excited to cheer on the boys for their run in September.”

Crouch holds the Club record for most disposals in a season (825 in 2017) and has three of the top four disposal records in a single game for the Crows.

He debuted in Round Three, 2014 against Sydney as the medical substitute and finished the game with 18 disposals, four tackles and two marks in the number 44 guernsey.

Following Scott Thompson’s retirement at the end of 2017, Crouch inherited the No. 5.

Adelaide Head of Football Adam Kelly said Crouch’s impact on the Crows would be felt “for years to come”.

“Matt has always given his all to the Club, both on and off the field,” Kelly said.

“He’s been a popular figure at West Lakes since he walked in the door back in 2013 and while it’s sad to see his AFL career come to an end, I sincerely hope he walks away extremely proud of what he has achieved.

“Proud of what he was achieving at the height of his career but maybe more so the way he responded in the later part of his career to fight for his spot in the team and then excel once more as an AFL midfielder.

“That is Matty’s legacy, that of a fierce competitor who wouldn’t back away from the contest.”

“Matt, Ellie, Ava and Charlie - along with baby Crouch, who is due in October - will always be welcome at the Adelaide Football Club.”

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