'Disappointing way to end': St Kilda midfielder Brad Crouch retires due to ongoing knee issues
St Kilda midfielder Brad Crouch has announced his retirement from the AFL.
The 30-year-old had been undergoing extensive rehab for degenerative knee issues and has opted to hang up the boots after 161 games in the top grade.
Drafted to the Adelaide Crows in 2011, Crouch played alongside his brother Matt in a grand final loss to Richmond in 2017, before moving to the Saints three years ago.
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In a club statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Crouch admitted he still hoped of returning to the field next year and thanked his family for their support.
Brad Crouch has finished his AFL career. Getty
"It's been a really tough few months and this is definitely not how I saw my footy career ending," he said.
"That being said, I've been able to live out my dream of playing AFL at two incredible clubs over 12 seasons, played in a grand final alongside my brother and made many lifelong friends.
"I'd really like to thank my family for their constant support not only through this period, but throughout my entire career.
"Without them, none of this would have been possible and spending more time with them is something I'm very much looking forward to in this next chapter of my life."
Crouch won the Malcolm Blight Medal for Adelaide's best and fairest in 2019 and finishes his career with 56 goals in the AFL.
Brad Crouch during his time at Adelaide. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Saints general manager David Misson paid tribute to the retiring star.
"This is a really disappointing way for Brad's career to end," he said.
"We've been working with Brad for several months now as he has worked through his knee issues and we were hoping that we could get him back to a place where he could make an impact on-field, which is why we retained his place via our rookie list.
"However, we respect that Brad needs to think about his long-term health first and support him in this decision. Brad and the entire Crouch family will always be welcome at St Kilda, and we wish them all the best for the future."
