Former Collingwood list manager Matt Rendell believes Matt Crouch isn’t worth more than a third-round draft pick should Adelaide look to trade him.
The 27-year-old midfielder was dropped for the second time this season ahead of Adelaide’s win over North Melbourne last week, responding in the SANFL with 42 possessions.
He was challenged by Crows coach Matthew Nicks to improve his work on the outside of the contest, however former Crow Bryce Gibbs believes Crouch should look to “get out” of the club following his latest omission.
Despite not being able to find a spot in the midfield of a team 13th on the ladder, Rendell believes there would be a club interested in the 2017 All-Australian.
“I don’t know which club he suits, but there will be a club,” Rendell told SEN SA’s The Run Home.
“The biggest thing that frustrates me with Crouchy (Crouch) is how many times he calls for the ball on his right leg and he can’t kick on his right, and he goes sideways too often.
“But what I love about his game is he’s forever getting his teammates out of trouble because he's always there for a handball receive.
“You need someone in your team like that, so he’s got a spot in a team somewhere else, I just don’t know where that is.”
However, Rendell doesn’t believe a trade would majorly benefit the Crows.
Crouch is contracted for next year but becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2023, where he can walk to the club of his choice.
“But you know what Crows supporters? You’re only going to get a third-rounder for him,” Rendell continued.
“He’s got a year to go on his contract, at best you’re going to get a third-rounder.”
Crouch’s replacement Harry Schoenberg recorded 13 disposals (eight contested) and nine tackles in the Round 15 win.