Without a deal for 2023, Adelaide utility Mitch Hinge remains hopeful of re-signing with the club but is determined to let his football do the talking in the latter stages of the season.
With eight Crows unsigned beyond this season, there is likely set to be a list spot squeeze at West Lakes, with those without a contract potentially having to wait until the end of the season to receive new deals for 2023.
Hinge has played 12 of 17 games this season for the Crows, stringing together consecutive games for the first time in his injury-riddled career.
Despite this, Hinge is yet to re-sign at the club beyond this season but is "optimistic" he'll extend his stay in the City of Churches.
"I'm pretty optimistic something gets done," Hinge toldย The Advertiser.
"I'm not worried about it at the moment.
"I think footy does the talking and I'm building in a pretty positive trajectory."
A South Australian, Hinge crossed to the Crows from Brisbane in 2020 after just three games for the Lions after being drafted with pick 20 in the 2017 Rookie Draft.
Seeking new pastures, the Crows provided a new environment and opportunity for Hinge, however, the 24-year-old was only able to feature once at AFL level in 2021 as a shoulder injury kept him out of the side.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Marks
Largely injury-free this year, Hinge was been able to feature regularly for the Crows in 2022.
The utility was surprisingly dropped last month by the Crows ahead of their clash against the Suns but instantly returned to the side for the next two rounds.
Hinge would miss again the following week due to COVID but was recalled for last week's close loss to the Magpies.
While disappointed about his axing, Hinge admitted that his inconsistent form and team balance played a part in the decision.
"Daws (Jordan Dawson) went back and with the superstar he is, even though we're not quite on the same level, we play a similar way," he said.
"I got on the hard end of that stick...but if I was performing really, really well, better than what I was, I probably wouldn't have got dropped.
"I'll try not to play the victim card and get to work on what more I can do.
"Once you have those conversations, sit back and think about the bigger picture, I was probably OK with it.
"I'm back in the team now so have put that to the back of my mind and am moving forward."
Moved to the wing in recent games, Hinge said getting more of the ball and impacting contests was a major focus coming back.
"I feel like personally I've come back, been able to play better and been able to impact games a little more than what I'd previously done," he said.
Hinge and the Crows will travel to Sydney this weekend, where they face the in-form Swans at the SCG on Saturday afternoon at 1:45 pm (AEST), where Matthew Nicks' side will be aiming for their sixth win of the season.
