ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Taylor Walker and Brad Crouch of the Crows look on during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Fremantle Dockers at Strathalbyn Oval on February 25, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch will finally undergo groin surgery, after missing the entire 2018 season to date with groin soreness.
The 24-year-old, who admitted to having osteitis pubis in March, has been hampered by the injury all season long, and will now have surgery to repair his groin.
Adelaide's Head of Football Brett Burton said the club made the call with Crouch's future interests at heart hope to see him back on the field following his recovery.
“Unfortunately, Brad’s injury is not responding as well as we would have liked to the strengthening program that we have been undertaking,” Burton told afc.com.au.
“We have decided surgery is the best course of action given this latest setback.
“The decision was made after speaking with Brad, his family, and the team of medical specialists and surgeons who have been examining him and exploring all other alternatives over the last few months.
“As always, the health and welfare of our players is paramount.”
Crouch will now spend a lengthy period on the sidelines, before hoping to make a comeback before the season is out.
The hard-nosed midfielder has not played a game since the Crows' grand final loss to Richmond last September.