Matt Crouch Biography

Matt Crouch is under police investigation after flicking the cap off a Port supporter's head when exiting Adelaide Oval after the Crows' 22-point loss to Port Adelaide.

Matt Crouch will undergo shoulder and miss the rest of the 2024 season.

Matt Crouch signs a two-year extension to remain at the Crows until the end of 2025.

"Adelaide is home and I love the footy club so I'm really pleased to be sticking around for the next two years," Crouch said.

"The direction the team is heading in and the relationships I've got with my teammates is really strong so I’m excited by what the future holds."

After averaging 31.9 disposals, 6.5 clearances and 5.4 tackles across 11 appearances in the SANFL, Matt Crouch has made an impact since returning to the Crows' senior AFL side, most recently finishing with 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, and 12 clearances in the Crows' win against the Power in Showdown 54.

"I've actually enjoyed playing my footy down at the SANFL level, but obviously the aim was always to come back and play AFL footy. I've felt ready, and kept myself ready, so when called upon I could come out and perform," Crouch said.

"I still love footy. It's obviously hard not playing AFL footy and not being out there. It is easy to get down on yourself. I felt like at times last year when I wasn't playing AFL footy, I let it drag me down. I feel like I've really focused this year on staying upbeat, taking it for what it is, and controlling what I can. It was good to come out tonight and have a win."

Matt Crouch will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a minor fibula fracture from a knock to his right leg during a training session.

Matt Crouch tallies 42 disposals in the SANFL, but Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says the onballer needs to do more to earn a recall.

"We know he does that every week but there's stuff away from that we are looking for at an AFL level that he also brought to the SANFL. Real clarity around what it is because at his best, he's in our best team," Nicks said.

Matt Crouch is dropped from the Crows' senior side for the second time in 2022 despite having gathered 31 disposals in the Crows' recent loss to Gold Coast.

"(He is) really disappointed. And it's a hard one because it's a challenge for any competitive sports person to not be selected," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.

"For Matty, it's a bit of balance, a bit of outside work ... the game requires you to really get on the outside."

Now fit again, Matt Crouch admits to fearing his AFL career may have been ended by groin problems in 2021.

"It was frustrating, so I think you get an appreciation of being fit and healthy and playing and doing what you love. Since having surgery at the end of the season, that's really helped with the pain side of things and I'm feeling good again," he said.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks says Crouch will be an important component of the Crows' side in 2022.

"He is one of our best first-possession, inside midfielders so we are really keen for him now to step up and help guys like Harry Schoenberg and Luke Pedlar, those (young) sort of players. And I have got no doubt he will because one his weapons is his on-field leadership which we didn't get to see last year," Nicks said.

Adelaide adds two new faces to its leadership group for 2022, namely Ben Keays and Reilly O'Brien. The two will serve under fourth-year skipper Rory Sloane along with Tom Doedee and Brodie Smith.

Matt Crouch will no longer be part of the group in 2022 following an injury-riddled 2021 in which he was unable to add to his 125-game career.

"We are blessed at this footy club to have a number of leaders within our playing group and the addition of both Reilly and Ben to the leadership group reflects the growth of our young team and the exciting direction we are heading," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

Matt Crouch undergoes more surgery on his troublesome groin that restricted him to just one state league game in 2021.

Matt Crouch signs a two-year deal at Adelaide to remain at the club until the end of 2023.

The 26-year-old's management is reported to have been surveying the market in recent months to attract a substantial offer. However, after Crouch failed to play an AFL game this season due to persistent groin troubles, they were unable to land any significant suitors.

Adelaide coach Matthew nicks says new contracts for injured Adelaide trio Matt Crouch, Daniel Talia and Tom Lynch depend on their recovery.

"We want to see and make sure that Daniel first and foremost knows that he's still able to play at the level. We have got Lynchy in a similar position, we have got Matty Crouch in a similar position," Nicks said.

"Some of those (talks) still sit around getting those guys back and playing footy, so that is where the challenge comes in, that is where these things may go on a little longer.

Matt Crouch is facing an uphill battle to play in 2021 with the star Crow booked in for surgery on his troublesome groin.

Crouch has not played since Adelaide's pre-season game against Port Adelaide at Noarlunga in March.

Matt Crouch will be sidelined for another month to six weeks.

"There is a bit of groin soreness there, the last thing we need is to let that get worse. He's a player who plays inside stoppage, he is an inside bull. So he's going to be tested with change of direction, being wrenched and pulled around," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.

"We have been really conservative with Matty ... he is a super-important part of what we're doing - a big, experienced midfielder that we know we are going to need throughout this season."

Matt Crouch will miss the Crows' 2021 season-opener and potentially more games with a groin injury.

"Matty has pulled up a little sore through the hips and the groins and just lacked the power that he was after today during the (training) session," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"From more of a medium, longer-term view, we didn't want to take a chance this week."

Adelaide announces an unchanged leadership group for 2021 with Rory Sloane remaining as skipper for 2021.

Sloane will be supported again by Tom Doedee, Tom Lynch, Brodie Smith and Matt Crouch.

"Rory typifies what we are about - selflessness, team-first, he is ruthlessly competitive and all about performing at the highest level and making others around him better," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said.

"The fact that there have been no changes to the leadership group for 2021 reinforces our belief that the five players did an outstanding job in what was a very challenging year in 2020."

Matt Crouch says he is getting used to life without his brother, Brad Crouch, at the Crows.

"Since I've been at the footy club, my first year Brad was already here, so I'm used to having him around," Matt said.

"Obviously I didn't want him to leave. I wish he stayed. I've loved playing footy with him, but it's something he decided to do. It's going to be a bit funny - I've never really played against him at all and I think we play them in Cairns so it's a funny spot to be playing him as well.

"It's going to be exciting, and I think a few of our mates and family back home have already booked their flights up to go and watch so they're looking forward to it."

Rory Sloane will be Adelaide's sole captain in 2020, after sharing co-captain duties in 2019 with Taylor Walker who has stepped down as a leader in 2020.

Sloane will be supported by Matt Crouch, Tom Lynch as well as new faces in Brodie Smith and Tom Doedee.

"Rory typifies the qualities and attributes that every club wants in its leaders and he was a standout choice as captain, and I am confident we have the right mix of players assisting him," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.

"They have a positive influence on others and genuinely care for their teammates, as well as coaches and staff across the organisation, and set elite standards in the way they prepare and carry themselves both on and off the field."

Adelaide names an extended seven-man leadership group to support new co-captains Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane in season 2019.

Josh Jenkins, Richard Douglas and Daniel Talia have been elevated into the leadership group, which also consists of last year's crop of Walker, Sloane, Tom Lynch and Matt Crouch.

"These guys were recognised by their peers because of the way they drive standards and live our values and behaviours, while training, playing and engaging in other activities around the club," Adelaide coach Don Pyke said.

"Importantly, they are quality young men away from football and they bring a diverse range of skills and qualities which will help drive our group forward."

Not even missing two games with a hand injury could stop Rory Laird from claiming a comprehensive victory in Adelaide's 2018 best and fairest count.

In a gala function at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Laird claimed the Malcolm Blight Medal on 222 votes, comfortably finishing ahead of last year's winner Matt Crouch (166) and key forward Josh Jenkins (162).

Laird enjoyed a superb individual year, finishing sixth in the League for total disposals and averaging 32.2 disposals per game.

Matt Crouch is set to become Adelaide's fourth captain this season as a spate of injuries strikes the club's leadership group.

Stand-in skipper Tom Lynch is expected to miss at least Sunday's away trip to Fremantle because of a side strain, his exact prognosis to be released on Tuesday.

With captain Taylor Walker (back/glute), vice-captain Rory Sloane (foot) and now Lynch sidelined, Crouch is the only member of the club's leadership group still fit.

Matt Crouch will miss the next three weeks with a low-grade hamstring strain.

Crouch left the ground in the second quarter of the Crows' 36-point win against Richmond at Adelaide Oval and took no further part in the game.

Matt Crouch is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the Crows' win over Richmond.

Crouch injured his left hamstring in the second quarter after amassing 13 possessions.

He went straight to the dressing room to be assessed by Adelaide’s medical staff, before returning to the bench with ice on his hamstring.

Taylor Walker will again captain Adelaide this season, but the Crows have added a new face to their leadership group.

The Crows have cut back the group of leaders from six players to four for 2018, with Walker remaining skipper for a fourth season and Rory Sloane his vice-captain.

Forward Tom Lynch has also retained his place in the leadership group, with All Australian midfielder Matt Crouch included for the first time.

Having been in last year's group, superstar Eddie Betts and Daniel Talia are no longer members, while Scott Thompson has retired.

Matt Crouch signs a three-year contract extension with the Crows to remain at the club until the end of 2021.

"The club is a fantastic place to be with a committed playing and coaching group who are determined to achieve success," Crouch said.

"I'm excited for what the future holds and look forward to the start of season 2018 already."

Matt Crouch has been given the honour of taking over retired great Scott Thompson's No.5 guernsey.

"'Thommo' asked me if I would like to wear No.5 once he retired," Crouch said.

"Thommo’s helped me a lot in my career and is obviously a champion of this club, so I thought it was a great opportunity."

Matt Crouch claims his first Malcolm Blight medal as the Crows' best and fairest for 2017.

The 22-year-old was a clear winner on 315 votes ahead of two-time club champion Rory Sloane (253) and gun defender Rory Laird (226).

"It's a huge honour and something you don't expect," Crouch said.

"You see the names that have won it before me, so really honoured to be up there tonight."

Crouch finished the 2017 season as the league's leader in disposals with 825.

Adelaide's Brad Crouch and Matt Crouch are set to be the first brothers in 10 years to play together in a Grand Final when the Crows take on Richmond at the MCG this Saturday.

"It's been a long journey for both of us and we never thought this would happen, so it's a great opportunity for both of us," Brad said.

Matt Crouch says his focus this pre-season has been to add an outside element to his game.

"It's been a focus for me and the group really, just sort of work on our outside balance because the last few years we've relied heavily on our inside play," Crouch said.

"For me as well [the focus has been] my running capabilities to help that out.

"I felt pretty good, my fitness has improved a lot since last year… while the main area of my game is the inside, I need to keep working on the outside."

Matt Crouch has signed a three-year contract extension with Adelaide to remain at the club until the end of 2018.

"I love the club and I think we showed this year that we’re on the right track," Crouch said.

"It was great, especially for young players like myself, to play finals and that experience has pushed us to get better.

"I’m really happy to get the deal done, and I’m looking forward to working hard with the boys over the pre-season and continuing to improve as a player."

Matt Crouch's preparations for next season have suffered a setback after he had surgery on his ankle.

The 19-year-old fell awkwardly during a training drill before Christmas, sustaining ligament damage in his left ankle.

He required surgery and will wear a moon boot for the next three weeks.

"It is unfortunate, as Matt was relishing the hard work in the lead up to the Christmas break," Crows head of football David Noble said.

"He was able to build a solid fitness base and we look forward to having him back as soon as possible."

Brothers Brad Crouch and Matt Crouch will play together for the first time in Adelaide's round 23 match against St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.

Matt Crouch is the round five NAB Rising Star nominee after tallying 28 disposals in three quarters of football against GWS before being subbed out due to cramps.

"Individually I thought I played OK and hopefully I can continue to be consistent over the next couple of weeks," Crouch said.

"It's been good but I think I've still got a lot of work to do defensively and hopefully I can keep improving in that area. I've been pretty happy, but hopefully I can keep going."

A pre-season has refined Crouch's body shape – he's dropped almost two kilos – and already he appears comfortable in the Crows' midfield brigade.

"I improved my running a lot in the pre-season," he said.

"It's amazing the benefit of being a full-time footballer and I think I've improved a lot with my running. There's obviously still a lot of work to do, and it's such a running game now."

Matt Crouch makes his AFL debut for Adelaide at Adelaide Oval with 18 disposals (10 kicks and 8 handballs), 2 marks and 4 tackles in a 63-point loss to Sydney.

Matt Crouch will make his debut for the Crows against Sydney in round 3 in a what Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson anticipates will be a tough contest that will suit the young midfielder.

"This game was built for Matt, he's a contested ball player, he's a tackler, he loves it hard so yeah at some point in the game tomorrow he's going to have an influence for sure," Sanderson said.

"He hasn't played in front of a crowd like this at a stadium like this before, but he'll be fine – the Crouch kids are made of the right stuff."

Matt Crouch gathers 23 disposals in Adelaide's NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide with Crows coach Brenton Sanderson saying the club's decision to trade Bernie Vince for pick No.23 will pay dividends in the long run.

"You know that I liked him before the draft and for him just to slot in today and just get into the rhythm of the game really quickly was really pleasing for me," Sanderson said.

"It's unfair to do 'Vince for Matt Crouch' because Matt Crouch is just 18 and starting his career, Bernie's in the twilight of his career as a 28-year-old.

"It was a football decision that was made and we've got Matt Crouch on our list now and ... as I said, 10 years, 12 years of Brad and Matt playing together is going to be really exciting for our footy club."

Crows Matt and Brad Crouch become the first brothers to play for Adelaide since Andrew and Darren Jarman.

"I haven't really thought about it too much to be honest," Brad said.

"I know it'll be a good thing – there's not many brothers that get the chance to play with each other – but we can't say to each other 'we want to do this' or 'we want to do that'.

"We'll just keep training and working well together and hopefully down the track we can play in a flag together."