Daniel Talia says he is fully committed to Adelaide in what has been a frustrating year for the out-of-contract defender.
A serious foot injury has sidelined Talia for the entire 2021 season to this point leaving the Crows restricted free agent in contract limbo.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks and the club’s hierarchy want to see the 29-year-old return to full fitness before the season’s out.
“I am not going to come out and say they have to play football (this season) for them to be at this footy club going forward, that's not the case,” Nicks told reporters last Friday.
“But it is factored into the conversation at this point.
“We want to see and make sure that Daniel first and foremost knows that he's still able to play at the level.”
Talia, a dual All-Australian and Malcolm Blight Medallist, says talks over a new deal with the Crows have started as he looks to prove his fitness.
“We’re in a rebuild and that certainly comes into it,” Talia told *SEN SA's Kymbo and The Rooch.
“I can see it from both sides. I want to be really positive and mature about this whole situation.
“The club and I are talking, and they know I’m doing everything I can to support the group and try and get back and play.
“I’ve just got to be professional about how I go about it and give everything I’ve got to try and get back and show them that I want to be there next year.
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“I think from my point of view, it’s important for everyone to hear that I’m really committed to the club.
“In these chats behind the scenes, the club know exactly where I sit in terms of wanting to be there next year.
“It’s been really frustrating, and they want to see me fit, but at the moment, that’s just not happening. At the end of the day, the club’s got to be the one that makes the call – they know where I sit, I’ve been pretty clear, open and honest all along.
“I’m committed to the club, and we’ll see how it goes in the second half of the season.”
Selected with pick No.13 in the 2009 draft, Talia has played 200 games for the Crows.