Former All-Australian defender Daniel Talia has been informed by the Adelaide Crows that he won't be offered a new contract for 2022 and beyond.
Talia has been unable to take the field at all in season 2021 as he recovered from a serious knee injury, followed by a foot injury.
It's been a frustrating campaign for Talia, who has played 200 games for the Crows since he was taken by the club with the 13th pick in the 2009 AFL draft.
The experienced defender will not be offered a new contract.
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 12, 2021
He debuted for the club in 2022 against the Sydney Swans and has become a key member of the team, being named in the 22under22 team three times consecutively in 2012, 2013 and 2014, before being named to the All-Australian team in 2014 and 2016.
The Crows confirmed the member of their senior leadership group would leave at season's end in a statement today, with Talia saying it had been a privilege to be involved with the Crows.
“It has been a privilege to represent this great Club for the past 12 years and I have cherished every moment,” Talia said.
“I am disappointed because I feel like I have more years left in me at the top level but I understand the decision and direction the Club is going.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates past and present, coaches, staff and all of the amazing supporters."
Talia, who has battled to return all year, is likely to remain in the AFL. At just 29 years of age, it's thought other clubs will line up to offer Talia a spot for 2022 and beyond, although no reports have surfaced yet as to his immediate future.
The defender was previously rumoured to be in talks with the Crows over a new deal before today's announcement.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks said Talia has been one of the best defenders in the competition over the last decade.
“Having previously coached against Daniel and now seen him at close range, there is no doubt he has been one of the best key defenders in the competition over the last decade,” Nicks said.
“We have had open, honest and long-running discussions with Daniel and his management regarding his future, and where that fits in the context of our list rebuild."
The Crows have missed Talia this season, currently sitting in 17th place, although they will avoid the wooden spoon, six points clear of the last-placed North Melbourne Kangaroos with just two games to play.
