Nicks denies calling time on Crouch’s contract
A BLUNT Matthew Nicks has refuted a report that Matt Crouch will not be offered a new contract for 2024 before shutting down questions about the topic.
A TV story this week stated that Nicks had told Crouch he would not receive an extension when his deal expired at the end of 2023 and that the 27year-old midfielder was furious.
On Friday, Nicks denied that, saying he was extremely disappointed at the report.
He described Crouch, a 2017 All-Australian and best-andfairest winner who had been dropped three times this season, as a required player.
“Let me set the record straight and I won’t answer 100 questions around this,” Nicks said.
“There was a news article on Tuesday night that was incorrect.
“I have not had a conversation with Matt Crouch about his future.
“I’ve said this the whole way through, we’ve got a squad of 44 players who are all super important to what we’re doing and Matt is super important to what we’re doing.”
Pressed further about the Crouch situation, Nicks said “next one … next question”.
Crouch has played five SANFL and 11 AFL matches this season, getting dropped most recently after the round 17 loss to Hawthorn. The Victorian is understood to be frustrated at being out of the top side but has not been told the club wants to part with him at the end of the campaign.
News Corp understands that although Crouch wants to stay at the club, he is open to a move at the end of the season for more playing opportunities.
It is still expected that he will be traded, given another season on the fringes looms.
Crouch will not get a chance to push his case this week due to a SANFL bye.