Jordan Dawson, the captain of Adelaide, has praised Matt Crouch, the newest life member of the Crows, for his “professionalism and attitude” in trying to regain Matthew Nicks’ favor.
Crouch played in the SANFL for the bulk of the last two seasons after losing favor with Nicks. He was recognized by the team this week along with Matthew Wright, Matthew Clarke, Phil Harper, and Mark Nagel for their contributions to the Crows.
Late in the previous season, the 28-year-old battled his way back into the senior squad. He then put together a good run of play to support the Crows’ claim of a finals berth, which included a nearly perfect showing against rival Port Adelaide in the Round 20 Showdown match.
A couple of months ago, it seemed improbable that the club and Crouch would agree to a new two-year contract when the team’s 2023 campaign came to an end.
Dawson stated last week in an interview with Zero Hanger that the team views Crouch as “a real barometer” in light of his efforts to salvage his career.
“In the back end of last year he really stepped up and got back to his best,” Dawson stated.
“It was truly a terrific test of ‘Crouchy’s’ fortitude; he was evidently competing in the SANFL as an All-Australian and Club Champion. You don’t want to be here.
Thus, it is expected of him to dig in and perform at that level consistently before entering the game and likely ranking among the team’s top performers for the final five weeks of the campaign.
It really merely serves as evidence of his demeanor and professionalism.
“He’s off to a great start in the preseason and intends to carry on where he left off the previous season with his skillful football performance. I adore playing with him because he’s a true gauge for us and because you can never have too much of his ball-winning skill.”
Crouch is expected to start in Nicks’ Round 1 lineup against Gold Coast, unlike the previous year, as a member of a “dynamic” midfield group that includes Dawson and Rory Laird.
Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele, two forwards the Crows have toyed with in the center so far this preseason, have thrilled their captain for the upcoming year.
Dawson stated that their chances of winning a premiership will be greatly impacted by having an engine room team that can change shape. They hope to make it to the finals in 2024.
“We have Luke Pedlar, Josh Rachele, Sam Berry, and Izak Rankine coming through,” the All-Australian continued.
“Many individuals are kind of cycling in, which is great for ‘Lairdy’ and me to see the group dynamic shift and not be confined to that three- or four-person midfield. It’s truly up to us to adjust.
“So I’m excited about those guys coming through, there’ll be more and we’re excited to see what they can do.”
The final preseason match for Adelaide is scheduled for Saturday at Richmond Oval against West Coast. After that, the team will focus on a mid-March journey to the Gold Coast to begin the season.
