Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch will take over mentor Scott Thompson’s No.5 next season.
Crouch, who has played 72 AFL games, established himself in the No.44.
The 22-year-old earned All-Australian selection and was crowned Crows Club Champion in a career-best 2017 season.
He's the first Crow to change guernsey numbers after winning the Club’s best and fairest award.
The No.5 has belonged to Thompson since the end of 2004.
An All Australian and dual Crows Club Champion, Thompson played 269 of his 308 career games in the jumper after joining Adelaide from Melbourne where he wore No.6 for four years.
In July, the respected onballer announced his plans to retire at the completion of Adelaide’s 2017 campaign. Towards the end of the season, he spoke to Crouch about continuing the legacy of the jumper.
Crouch was humbled by role model Thompson’s approach.
“Thommo asked me if I would like to wear No.5 once he retired,” Crouch said.
“Thommo’s helped me a lot in my career and is obviously a champion of this Club, so I thought it was a great opportunity.”
Crouch will be one of three existing Adelaide players to don a new number in Season 2018.
Promoted rookie Hugh Greenwood has moved to No.1 after two years and 15 AFL games in No.20.
Greenwood said he chose to wear the No.1 as a tribute to his Mum Andree, who passed away in October after an inspiring battle with cancer.
“Mum’s life quote was, ‘Make every second count’. The Menzies Research Institute of Tasmania has a fundraiser in her honour, including the ‘Seconds Count Gala Ball’ each year,” he said.
“Now, every time I go to my locker or put on the jumper I’ll see the No.1 and it will remind me to make the most of every day, and every second.
“Hopefully, I can continue to raise awareness for secondary breast cancer too.”
Greenwood is aiming to become the first 100-gamer in the No.1.
The current Club record is held by wingman Greg Anderson, who played 59 matches in the number between 1993 and 1996. It was most recently worn at senior level by rookie Jono Beech.
Second-year Myles Poholke is the new owner of No.10, which was vacated by Gold Coast recruit Harrison Wigg.
Selected by Adelaide with pick No.44 in the 2016 AFL National Draft, Poholke wore No.31 for the Club at SANFL level and in the JLT Community Series this year.
The goalkicking midfielder returns to No.10, which he wore for TAC Cup team Dandenong Stingrays in his draft year.
The remainder of Adelaide’s numbers will be revealed on afc.com.au as they are confirmed over the coming weeks.
As a general rule, existing players get the first opportunity to change numbers before traded players and draftees are offered or given their numbers.
Two of the vacant numbers will be taken by recruits Bryce Gibbs and Sam Gibson. Gibbs wore No.4 at Carlton, while Gibson was No.43 for North Melbourne.
Numbers won’t be finalised until after the Rookie Draft on November 27.
Existing player number changes:
Matt Crouch – No.44 to No.5
Hugh Greenwood – No.20 to No.1
Myles Poholke – No.31 to No.10
Remaining numbers: 6, 20, 23, 28*, 31, 32, 36, 44
*No.28 belongs to Cam Ellis-Yolmen, who has been delisted but been guaranteed a spot on Adelaide’s rookie list next season if he’s not selected by another club
