Why Hugh wants out of Adelaide

ADELAIDE midfielder Hugh Greenwood has opened up on when he knew he had played his last game for the Crows, his relationship with Gold Coast coaches and why he has asked to be traded to the Suns next week.

The 27-year-old former college basketballer played 51 games in three years including the 2017 grand final for Adelaide, emerging as a contested ballwinning midfielder, tackling machine and high-marking forward.

But the Tasmanian found himself on the outer for much of this season under coach Don Pyke at the Crows, being dropped twice and playing just 14 games.

With his contract up this season, Greenwood was seeking a three-year deal or longer, but the Crows would not go beyond two and he has asked to be traded to Gold Coast which is believed to have offered three years and a games trigger clause for a fourth.

“When I wasn’t getting back in the side later in the year, that’s when I realised I probably wasn’t in their future plans,” said Greenwood, who was dropped from rounds 18-22.

“We went away [to the US] knowing we probably weren’t going to stay, we waited as long as possible knowing there was going to be some movement around coaching and players, but ultimately once the Gold Coast was a possibility, as hard as it was and as disappointed as we are that we’re not staying, we are excited to get up there and be a part of that.”

Greenwood is the latest Crow to want out of Adelaide following confirmation Alex Keath (Western Bulldogs) and Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (Brisbane) are leaving West Lakes, and midfielder Brad Crouch is being courted by Gold Coast as he too seeks long-term security.

But Greenwood said he had no issue with Adelaide, its culture, coaches or direction.

“Obviously I didn’t agree with all the decisions that were made, but I kept coming to work every day and I loved the playing group, playing at Adelaide Oval and being a part of the Adelaide community,” he said.

“There are going to be some changes and hopefully they can fix what needs to be fixed because this is a fantastic footy club, our list is super talented, our fan base is as good as it gets, so I don’t have anything against the footy club.

“We’ve tried to make it as clear as possible that we wanted some [longterm] security and if the deal was longer here we probably would have stayed.

“Long-term security is incredibly important because of my background [coming from a different sport], but I feel like my best footy is still ahead of me so it was always about playing for as long as I can because I know it’s not forever. The club took a punt on a Category B rookie basketballer, I have a lot to thank Hamish Ogilvie for, and I had some incredible highs playing in a grand final obviously, but they also helped me in some really hard times like losing Mum.

“And I know there is some disappointment among the fan base but the overwhelming feedback has been positive so I am very grateful for that.”

Asked why he would want to play for Gold Coast — which finished 18th and lost its last 18 games this season — Greenwood said he was excited by the challenge of helping turn things around.

“I’ve always done things differently and looked for a challenge, and it certainly will be, but I’m looking forward to playing for something bigger than myself and being part of helping build a culture with really young talent,” he said.

“They’ve taken care of a lot of things off the field which needed to be done and now it’s on the field and I’m looking forward to having more of an influence there than anywhere else.

“I’ve been in constant contact with Dewy [coach Stuart Dew] and I have a great relationship with [assistants] Josh Francou and Tate Kaesler.”

Greenwood is confident a trade will be done between the two clubs to get him to the Suns.

“Yeah, we’d like to think we’ve done everything Adelaide has asked,” he said.

“Nothing is guaranteed but I think I’ve given everything to the footy club and there are no hard feelings.

“Both parties are looking for the same thing.”