Matt Crouch Announces Retirement After Persistent Hip Injury

Matt Crouch, a talented midfielder who played for the Adelaide Crows for 12 years, has decided to end his AFL career. He announced his retirement on August 26, 2025, after dealing with ongoing hip problems and following medical advice.

A Career Marked by Excellence and Resilience

Crouch was picked 23rd overall in the 2013 National Draft. He made his debut in Round 3 of 2014 as a medical substitution, although he still had a good first game with 18 disposals, four tackles, and two marks.

He played 164 games for the Crows over his career, making him a key player in the midfield.

Without a doubt, 2017 was his best year. He won the Malcolm Blight Medal for being the club’s best and fairest player, was named to the All-Australian team, and established the club record for most disposals in a single season with 825. That year, he also set three of the four highest single-game disposal records in club history.

Crouch’s legacy isn’t just in his stats; it’s also in how competitive and consistent he was. Adam Kelly, Adelaide’s Head of Football, called him “a fierce competitor who wouldn’t back away from the contest,” and added Crouch’s “impact… will be felt for years to come.”

The Emerging Hip Woe

Crouch’s promising 2025 season came to an end because of a hip problem that wouldn’t go away. After having surgery in 2020, the problem came back early in the season—he hurt his hip again after missing just one game, and doctors said he would be out for up to six weeks.

Even though he came back for a short time, the problem didn’t go away. Eventually, he had to make the hard choice to retire for medical reasons, and he did so right away.

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The Announcement and Reflections

On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Crouch told his West Lakes teammates that he was leaving.

He talked about more than just his playing career in his statement: “To have played more than 160 games of AFL footy for this Club is something I’ll always be proud of.” “I’m very happy and ready to move on to the next stage of my life.”

Crouch talked on the personal milestones that members of the Club have reached, like getting engaged, becoming a father, making close friends, and leaving a lasting legacy. “I’m very thankful for my time here and can’t wait to cheer on the boys in September.”

What He Leaves Behind

• Games played: 164 over 12 seasons, making him a veteran of many years.
• Statistical superiority: Holder of the Adelaide record for most disposals in a season and among the top disposals in several single games.
• Awards: Malcolm Blight Medallist (2017) and All-Australian.

People who knew him talk about his passion and consistency, as well as his soul—he always gave his all, on and off the pitch.

Legacy and New Beginnings

The Crows’ midfield is missing Crouch, and it’s not easy to fill that gap. But it also marks the end of one of the most reliable and emotionally devoted players of recent times. His strength, hard work, and leadership will live on in the club’s history.

Adam Kelly said, “I sincerely hope he walks away extremely proud of what he has achieved,” which is a horrible way to say that Crouch’s AFL career is over. Matty’s legacy is that he was a determined competitor who never backed down from a fight.

Crouch’s family is growing outside of football. His wife Ellie and their three children, Ava, Charlie, and a baby expected in October, will “always be welcome at the Adelaide Football Club.”

Final Thoughts

Matt Crouch’s retirement means more than just the end of an era; it marks the end of a balanced journey towards excellence, individuality, and family happiness. Crouch’s narrative is really powerful, from his rise as a tough midfielder to his record-breaking season in 2017 to his brave battle with a devastating ailment.

His astounding stats and trophies are eternal memorials, but what he loved most were the peaceful times he spent with friends, as a father, and as a member of the Crows community. As he leaves the game, one thing is clear: Adelaide Football Club and its fans will always remember the proud, humble fighter who played for them.

We say goodbye to Matt Crouch, sure that his next chapter, which will focus on family, legacy, and community, will be just as important as the one he played out on the pitch.