Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks admits he is concerned about whether the club can re-sign midfielder Matthew Crouch.
It was reported by Fox Footy on Thursday that the 2017 All-Australian was “insulted” by the two-year offer placed in front of him by the Crows.
Nicks says he wants Crouch to stay and hopes they can find a middle ground.
“Insulted is a harsh word, but that’s what we’re working through with Matty,” the Adelaide coach told SEN SA Breakfast.
“I totally understand where Matty is coming from. We’ve had open dialogue around this for months now and there’s always going to be a balance or a negotiation between player and footy club on what works.
“We’re working through that. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s taking a little longer, I’m a little concerned, but I want Matt at the footy club, he wants to be at the footy club.
“Our challenge now is to make that work. It is around some security, and I understand that, for a lot of players that is the most important part – ‘I want security, I want time’.
“We’re working through that at the moment and I’m confident we’ll get that done.”
When asked if a compromise could be found, Nicks said “yes”.
“That’s where it sits at the moment and both parties have been really open as I said,” Nicks added.
“It’s just adjusting and working to find what works for both the footy club and for Matty.
“Ultimately, when you’re speaking as a footy coach, I want Matty to be in the best possible headspace to play the best footy he can.
“We want him to succeed because that helps the footy club succeed, so that’s what we’re working through at the moment.”
Crouch missed all of 2021 with a groin injury that derailed his campaign.