Adelaide could take the wraps off boom recruit Brad Crouch a year earlier than expected after the AFL granted permission for the promising midfielder to play in this year’s NAB Cup competition. 

Too young to nominate for last year’s national draft, Crouch arrived at West Lakes in October after being selected by the Crows in Greater Western Sydney’s draft of eligible 17-year-olds.

Crouch, who turned 18 earlier this month, is unable to play AFL until 2013, but will have an opportunity to press for selection in the next month’s NAB Cup under the League’s ruling.

Football operations general manager Phil Harper said the Club had sought permission from the AFL for Crouch to play in the pre-season competition.

“We think it’s an ideal opportunity for him to see the level he has to be able to get to,” Harper told afc.com.au.

“We’re pleased the AFL has agreed to allow him to play and Brad is rapt that he now has the same opportunity as everyone else, to get into the team if his training form warrants selection.”

Gold Coast recruit Jaeger O’Meara, who was taken with the pick before Crouch in the GWS ‘mini-draft’, will also be eligible to play in the 2012 NAB Cup under the ruling.

A courageous and skilful onballer, Crouch will play with SANFL Club West Adelaide in the season proper.