Adelaide Crows midfielder Rory Atkins has joined the Gold Coast Suns as a restricted free agent.

In what marks the first move of AFL free agency, the 26-year old joins the Suns on a four-year deal worth approximately $400,000 a season, according to AFL Media.

Adelaide will receive an end of second round draft pick as compensation for the move.

Atkins informed the Crows in August that he wished to exercise his free agency rights, exiting the club before the end of the season.

He played 101 games for the Crows over six seasons after making his debut in 2015.