Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch is continuing to put football first as he looks to hold his place in Matthew Nicks' side after a dominant return to AFL level and amid a period of uncertainty at West Lakes.
Prior to Round 19, Crouch had managed just one appearance this season - a role as the tactical sub against Geelong in Round 8, with every other weekend spent in the SANFL.
The 28-year-old was left to play at the state league level as the Crows placed a focus on more youthful assets for their midfield mix - a direction that has impacted Crouch's opportunity across the past 18 months.
Crouch would play eight games for the Crows' reserves last year after being dropped on multiple occasions and has added a further 11 appearances in the SANFL in 2023 - a year where his contract with the club is coming to an end.
The Victorian's uncertain future and place on the fringes under Nicks left Crouch on the outer at the Crows, only for a two-week resurgence to now lead to a potential twist in his fate.
A recall against the Demons would give Crouch his first starting role in over 12 months, with the inside onballer managing 22 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances in the absence of star midfielder Rory Laird.
Despite Laird's return for the Showdown last week, Crouch not only retained his place in the team but was Adelaide's leading midfielder in the upset win to help keep his club's finals hopes alive.
His 32 touches against the Power were an equal-high for Crouch since he closed out his 2019 campaign with 47 disposals against the Western Bulldogs. He would also amass 12 clearances, six tackles, seven inside 50s, 15 contested possessions and 10 score involvements against the Power on Saturday while moving the ball at 90.6% efficiency.
While likely to hold his place as part of the Crows' push toward September, Crouch's future is still no clearer.
Speaking toย AFL.com.au,ย the contested ball-winner said his priority is to let his football do the talking, but noted he feels "settled" in South Australia after a decade with the club.
"I'm not too sure at the moment," Crouch said on his future.
"The focus for me has been getting back in and to perform, play my role. That's what I want to do," Crouch said.
"I've been here for 10 years now, so it goes quick. I am settled here. I've got a house and love the place. Love the footy club and the boys. Whatever happens after that will take care of itself."
Crouch's resurgence will give Adelaide list manager Justin Reid much to consider over the course of the final month of the season and into the player exchange window, with Adelaide having signalled less of a need for their 2017 best and fairest winner throughout most of this year.
With a midfield already home to Laird, skipper Jordan Dawson and rotating youngsters Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo and Harry Shoenberg, Adelaide will likely weigh up what their future midfield ensemble would look like with Crouch on their books.
Reid will also be needing to come to a decision on the future of former captain Rory Sloane, who could follow in the footsteps of fellow veteran Taylor Walker in recommitting to the club.
Sloane, Crouch, free agent Tom Doedee, forward Shane McAdam and midfielder Jackson Hately are among the Crows players currently unsigned beyond 2023.
