Adelaide have confirmed former St Kilda and Collingwood midfielder Nathan Freeman has joined the club's SANFL squad for the 2022 season.

Freeman had been in contention for an AFL list spot with the Gold Coast Suns this pre-season as a Supplemental Selection Period hopeful, before Woodville-West Torrens gun James Tsitas landed the last remaining list spot with the Queensland club.

Having endured a difficult career in the top flight after suffering ongoing hamstring issues across his time with the Magpies and Saints, Freeman's time in the AFL was brought to an end in 2018.

Since leaving Moorabbin, Freeman has plied his trade with Frankston in the VFL, enjoying a stellar season with the Dolphins in 2021 to collect at least 40 touches from five of his eight appearances.

With the fire still lit on his AFL dream, Freeman will venture to South Australia to link up with the Crows' reserves for the year ahead.

โ€œWe are thrilled to have Nathan sign with us and we think he will be a fantastic addition to our midfield,โ€ Crows SANFL coach Michael Godden said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Nathan Freeman of the Saints in action during an AFL media opportunity at RSEA Park on July 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

โ€œNathan has had his fair share of setbacks with injury but he has worked so hard to get his body right and has shown a lot of resilience, and he has plenty of good football ahead of him.

โ€œHe also has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he can share with our young players so we are excited to get started with him.โ€

With AFL clubs to potentially be dependent on their squad depths and reserve reinforcements in 2022, Freeman could feature for the Crows at AFL level should their senior side be compromised by an extensive bout of COVID-19 or injuries.

Having been on the radar of AFL clubs since leaving the system just over three years ago, Freeman may also be of interest to clubs across the country through June's Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Freeman has also taken on a player management position with prominent agency Connors Sports Management.

The Crows' SANFL season will begin against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday, April 1, standing as a curtain-raiser for the Round 3 AFL Showdown.