St Kilda veteran Brad Crouch may face a tough decision in the upcoming off-season, as the 30-year-old midfielder battles a nagging knee injury which is reportedly placing doubt on his future footballing career.
Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark says Crouch's career "hangs in the balance", having only played one senior match in season 2024, with just five VFL appearances to go with it.
An ongoing knee concern has limited his playing time significantly, though he has fought through the pain and heavy strapping to put up some impressive numbers for Sandringham, routinely collecting over 30 disposals.
He is contracted for one more season at the Saints, but the lingering issue combined with the club's eye on future success rather than immediate success, a tough call could be made at season's end.
However, the club's focus on future success could be compromised if Jay Clark's recent trade rumour report is accurate, with St Kilda said to be keeping an eye on 31-year-old injury-plagued inside midfielder Dylan Shiel.
The Saints are eager to boost the talent on their list over the coming off-season, being perpetually scrutinised for failing to acquire top-tier talent and often fielding similar-type midfielders like Jack Steele, Seb Ross and Brad Crouch in recent years.
Shiel, whom the Saints openly targeted back in 2018 in his move from GWS, would clearly not shift the dynamic of their midfield brigade dramatically, raising speculation and concern over their potential move to lure the veteran.
The Bomber has struggled to stay on the track since making his move to Essendon, but has recently displayed some good form in the sash, recording 28 and 26 disposals in consecutive weeks with over 100 SuperCoach points in each, before a less impactful 21 touches in the recent heartbreak against Adelaide.
The availability of Darcy Parish, Ben Hobbs and Elijah Tsatas in the coming weeks may place doubt on Shiel's selection status for the remainder of 2024.
The inside bull remains contracted for the 2025 season but not beyond, and with his trade value at a season-high, the Bombers may welcome a move from a rival club.
Adding to the intrigue, the Saints and Bombers meet this Saturday in what shapes as a blockbuster clash with Essendon's finals hopes on the line.