Crouch to join Saints, Hartigan out

Adelaide Crows ball magnet Brad Crouch has nominated St. Kilda as his preferred club for the 2021 season.

After speculation about his movements this off-season, the restricted free agent has confirmed his desire to move to Moorabbin long-term on what could become a 5-year deal with a number of potential triggers.

Adelaide now have the option to match the Saints' offer for Crouch, who is a restricted free agent, and doing so will force St Kilda to trade for Crouch instead. If Adelaide choose not to match the bid they will be awarded with a compensation pick. The compensation pick received depends on the contract offered to Crouch by the Saints.

The offer from St. Kilda is reportedly worth between $650,000-700,000 a season over the 5 years, which would see the Crows receive a compensation pick "directly after their first round selection", handing them pick #2 to go with pick #1.

Despite an off-field transgression with teammate Tyson Stengle this off-season, it was reported that up to four clubs, including Geelong and Richmond, were enquiring about the 26-year-old's services. Crouch has played 95 games for Adelaide and was a prominent ball-winner at the club alongside his younger brother Matt.

Defender Kyle Hartigan has also expressed interest to leave the club and join Hawthorn, looking to move to Waverley Park on a minimum two-year deal. Hartigan is an unrestricted free agent, so Adelaide do not have an option to match his offer. The 28-year old has played 113 games for the Crows, and is the third free agent to exit the club this week, following Crouch and Rory Atkins (4-year deal at the Gold Coast).

IMAGE: Yahoo Sport.