Adelaide’s Brad Crouch wins Round 14 NAB AFL Rising Star Nomination

Brad Crouch from the Adelaide Football Club is the Round 14 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

The 19-year-old midfielder topped the Crows’ possession count with 31 touches in their 28-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium last Saturday. Playing in just his fifth AFL match, Brad also took six marks and laid six tackles.

Since making his AFL debut in Round two against the Brisbane Lions, he has averaged more than 21 possessions a match.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said Brad was ready to step up to AFL football.

“Brad has been very impressive in his first AFL season. He’s played the majority of his football in the midfield, which is extremely demanding for a player of his age and experience. To Brad’s credit, he’s been able to have a significant impact as an inside ball winner, whilst also providing important run outside the contest.

“Brad is a quality young man and an exciting prospect. He has an outstanding work ethic and has taken some significant steps in his development since joining the Club as a 17-year-old.

“I’m confident he will be a very special player for the Adelaide Football Club for many years to come.”

Brad was recruited from the Beaufort Junior Football Club and North Ballarat in the TAC Cup. He arrived at the Crows as a GWS Giants trade incentive selection 17-year-old access player. He was ineligible to play AFL in 2012, but gained permission to play in the 2012 NAB Cup grand final side.

Brad played for West Adelaide in 2012 and played an important part in their finals campaign. He represented Vic Country in the 2011 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was named an Under-18 All-Australian.

Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2013 NAB AFL Rising Star.

The 2013 NAB AFL Rising Star winner will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal and a $20,000 personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.

 NAB will also recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 23 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award valued at $1000, comprising cash and practical resources. Since supporting the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, NAB has donated over $600,000 worth of resources to junior football clubs through this initiative.