Contracted Crows midfielder Matt Crouch is understood to be open to a potential move elsewhere after being placed on the outer of Matthew Nicks' side.
Crouch has been forced to feature for Adelaide's reserves in recent weeks after Nicks made multiple selection statements, dropping that 27-year-old to the reserves on two occasions.
The All-Australian and Malcolm Blight Medal winner expressed his frustrations in being axed from the Crows' senior side, stating it came as some surprise.
“It’s quite disappointing, I’m quite frustrated at it,” Crouch told Channel 10 ahead of Adelaide's Round 15 clash with North Melbourne.
“I didn’t see it coming and I spoke to 'Nicksy' and 'VB' (midfield coach Nathan van Berlo) about that.
“It was a little bit unexpected."
The decision didn't seem to falter Crouch's on-field performances in the SANFL, with the Crows' ball-magnet recording an average of 41.5 disposals and 1.5 goals per game across his two most recent outings in the reserves.
It has left Crouch pondering his future however, with AFL.com.au's reporting that the Adelaide midfielder is "open" to joining a rival club at season's end.
The report comes less than 12 months after Crouch turned down the advances of keen clubs and decided not to exercise his rights as a free agent, instead inking a new two-year deal to remain at West Lakes.
Originally hailing from Beaufort, Victoria, Crouch could consider a move back to his home state for 2023 and beyond as he looks to secure his place in the AFL with guaranteed minutes.
His brother, Brad, ventured to St Kilda at the end of the 2020 season as a free agent, leaving the Crows after eight seasons and 95 matches.
Matt has played 135 games for the Crows since making his debut in 2014, including 10 appearances under Nicks this year.
Nicks may consider Crouch as a potential inclusion for this weekend's bout with the Hawks, which frames as a winnable outing for the 14th-placed side.
Adelaide will travel to the MCG to face Hawthorn at 3:20pm (AEST) on Sunday.
