A former teammate of disgruntled Crow Matt Crouch believes that a shift to the Harbour City and a role alongside the ilk of Luke Parker, Chad Warner and James Rowbottom could reignite the midfielder's career.
After being dumped from Matthew Nicks' senior side on numerous occasions in 2022, Crouch capped his most recent campaign in tri-colours with just 11 AFL appearances.
While the 27-year-old was sent back to SANFL level with the aim of honing his abilities on both sides of the ball, Crouch proved far too strong for the level - a fact that led the midfielder to express his frustration in late June.
Despite remaining contracted at West Lakes for the 2023 season, recent reports contend that the Ballarat native could be willing to request a trade away from the City of Churches in the coming days.
Though no official demands have been made, Crouch's former teammate Josh Jenkins stated that Sydney would be remiss if they didn't ask the question of the perennial accumulator.
“I see Sydney as a good fit for him,” Jenkins stated on AFL Trade Radio.
“Josh Kennedy moves on, Luke Parker's not getting any younger, Chad Warner is young and slight, James Rowbottom I like, he's not a big body but he's a strong body.
“I think they could do with Matt Crouch around the ball. He is a player who you need to focus on what he does do and not what he does not do.”
The Swans are expected to make a deal with the Bombers for defender Aaron Francis' signature on Monday, however, after being bullied at the coalface on grand final day, Swans list boss Kinnear Beatson may well have further work placed on his plate.
Across the course of Crouch's eight seasons as a Crow, the Victorian has produced means of 28.2 disposals, four tackles and 4.7 clearances per game.
The engine room member peaked during the 2017 season, collecting best and fairest honours, a maiden All-Australian blazer and 37 possessions in a losing grand final effort.
Sydney is currently armed with picks 14, 17, 37, 75 and 93 should they wish to grant Crouch a fresh start.
