Matt Crouch had another strong year in Adelaide’s engine room, averaging 32.2 disposals per game across his 18 appearances.
The 2017 Club Champion came out firing in Round One with 41 disposals and continued his form, managing 30+ disposals on 14 occasions.
He finished runner-up in this year’s Malcolm Blight Medal with 166 votes, second to two-time All Australian Rory Laird.
The 23-year-old finished the season in strong fashion, with 111 votes in his final nine games.
He ranked third at Adelaide for clearances (65) across the season.
In Adelaide’s nail-biting Showdown win over Port Adelaide in Round 20, Crouch was the unanimous best-on-ground for the two coaches.
Matt Crouch was a unanimous best-on-ground for the two Showdown coaches https://t.co/1vaBqa2QXn #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/Ev4zmczmZ3
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 6, 2018
At a glance:
Games: 18
Goals: 2
Disposals per game: 32.2
Clearances per game: 5.3
Tackles per game: 3.9
Best game:
Round 22 v North Melbourne
Collected a career-high 46 disposals and an AFL record of 35 handballs in Adelaide’s nine-point victory over the Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval.
“I thought Matt was part of a really good midfield, we knew it was going to be a challenge against North’s mids so he led our midfield group really well,” coach Don Pyke said post-game.
Tonight's @Toyota_Aus Hybrid Player of the Round is Matty Crouch. A massive 46 disposals at just under 85% efficiency #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/6P7qeCnphe
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 19, 2018
Other season highlights:
Round One v Essendon
Collected 41 disposals, 18 kicks and 23 handballs in Adelaide’s loss to Essendon.
Round 20 v Port Adelaide
Received 16 best and fairest votes for his 35-disposal game after finishing with 18 contested possessions, eight tackles, seven clearances