Crouch joined Adelaide last October via the 17-year-old ‘mini’ draft, but because he didn’t turn 18 before the December 31 cut off was ineligible to play AFL in 2012.
The AFL made an exception to allow Crouch and Gold Coast onballer Jaeger O’Meara, who was also selected as part of the Greater Western Sydney 17-year-old trade incentive, to play in the NAB Cup competition.
Crouch pulled on the Crows guernsey for the one and only time this year against the Brisbane Lions in Alice Springs. The skilful ball winner spent the rest of the season with SANFL club, West Adelaide.
He starred in the Bloods Preliminary Final win over North Adelaide, amassing 31 possessions, seven clearances, six marks and kicking his first league goal.
Check out highlights of Crouch's SANFL season above
Sanderson said he was excited but realistic in his expectations of Crouch in his debut season.
“If Brad’s in our best 22, we’ll play him and I’m sure a lot of weeks he will be,” Sanderson said.
“At the same time, we have to be realistic with our expectations. He only turns 19 in January, so he’s still learning and we won’t rush him.
“It’s been so beneficial having a year to develop him in our system. He knows the game plan already and he’s got an AFL body now compared to the kids in the draft pool this year.
“If Brad’s good enough we’ll certainly pick him in the team.”
Read Part Two of afc.com.au’s interview with coach Brenton Sanderson in full
