Adelaide star Brad Crouch has admitted he could depart the club at the end of the season as a free agent.

While admitting his preference would be to remain a Crow, the 26-year old conceded it could be in both parties' best interests for him to sign elsewhere.

Adelaide could receive a compensation first-round pick if Crouch walks, potentially as early as Pick 2 if they stay at the bottom of the ladder.

Speaking on 9 News Adelaide, the midfielder said his circumstances have vastly changed over the last few years.

"I love Adelaide as a place and I love the footy club," Crouch told Channel Nine on Wednesday.

"I really want to stay in Adelaide, so it's a really hard one for me. If the club wanted me to walk, it's going to be really tough. I'd probably have to do it because that's the best place for the club to go."

"The circumstances we're in at the footy club at the moment, it's different. The way the list is at the moment is a lot different to what it was two or three years ago."

"As a free agent, if I do leave then Adelaide will obviously get compensated."

Crouch has played all seven matches for the Crows this season, averaging 22.4 disposals and 5.1 clearances.