All Australian midfielder Matt Crouch says he is looking forward to being part of the Crows’ future after locking in a new deal which keeps him at the Club for at least another two years.

Speaking for the first time since agreeing to terms on a new contract extension, Crouch said he was keen to help guide the young side.

“It’s a big relief,” Crouch said.

“To get the deal done and be at Adelaide Footy Club for another two years, I am very excited about (it).

“My intention was always to stay in Adelaide, my partner loves Adelaide and we love living here.

“I think the footy Club is on the right track and I think fans would’ve seen that throughout the year.”

The 26-year-old joined Adelaide with pick No. 23 at the 2013 National Draft and debuted in 2014, before winning the 2017 Malcolm Blight Medal and was named in the All Australian team that same year.

A groin injury which required surgery hampered his 2021 AFL campaign but Crouch said he was “progressing well” and was hopeful of being ready by November.

“Obviously it was a challenging year with some injuries and stuff like that, not getting out on the ground,” Crouch said.

“I’m not running at the moment but I am doing a heap of cross-training and strength work, so hopefully that holds me in good stead when I get back running in a couple of weeks.

“That’s what we are planning on at the moment - try to get myself pain free, get my strength right and then hopefully by pre-season I am right to go. 

“I think our young group this year really showed the potential it’s got, followed by a lot of senior guys playing some really solid footy.”