There’s no doubt that Adelaide Football Club’s Brad and Matt Crouch are stars.
They are two brothers from a town on the outskirts of Ballarat who have shown the AFL what the Crouch name has to offer.
But who is the better brother? And who is going to fill the almighty Patrick Dangerfield’s shoes?
Brad Crouch was drafted at pick number two in the AFL mini draft in 2011 to the Adelaide Crows. The Crows saw plenty that the 18 year old had to offer and loved his elusive in and under skills.
Matt Crouch was drafted at pick number 23 in the AFL national draft in 2013, also to the crows. Matt, also 18 at the time, showed the selection panel that he was a prolific ball winner and he had plenty to offer with his disposal efficiency and desire to win.
Both players are undoubtedly skilful, but with 25 games a piece under their belt there is definitely time to compare the two. Brad is known for his willingness to collect the in and under ball while Matt is known for collecting possession after possession and using the ball wisely and smartly.
After the trading of gun Patrick Dangerfield, there is room for either of these two to step up into Patrick’s shoes and lead the Adelaide Football Club in the next few years.
But it’s younger brother Matt who catches my attention when discussions of similarity to Patrick Dangerfield arise.
Matt shows similarity to Patrick with the way he goes about his footy and is being talked about being the one to step into Patrick’s shoes and take over Patrick’s role.
Being the outside player that he is with incredible break away speed, he has all the traits to show the Adelaide board and officials he can be a great leader of the club in years to come.
You may look a Brad Crouch and believe he is one tough nut and has all the traits to be a superstar footballer, but it’s Matt’s competitive nature and willingness to win that stands out to me.
On paper, Brad has always looked like the better brother, but I strongly feel that Matt Crouch is the one to take the Adelaide Football Club to where they want to be, by combining his skill, willingness to win, and desire for the game that we all love.
Vocans
Guest
Yep, Matt is almost too slow for AFL footy. Interestingly, Scott Thompson adds another slow gear to the Crows mids. Brad is more like Danger but is unlikely to ever be as in and under as him. More Crow stuff from Dean, despite the hickup.
Dean Fisher
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the comment mate, this was my first article ive ever posted so im still learning. Just trying to get my head around it all but appreciate it!
Cricket fan
Guest
"Being the outside player that he (Matt) is with incredible break away speed...." - I never thought I would see this written about Matt Crouch. I can't help but thinking Dean, that you have gotten your brothers mixed up. Matt is very much a Priddis/Cunnington in-and-under style of midfielder whereas Brad has good pace and more of an outside game - similar style of player to Travis Boak. I agree with Gecko though that it is nice to have an article about the Crows - keep them coming!
Gecko
Guest
Nice to have an article about Adelaide on the Roar. I didn't even know there were two Crouches!
pat malone
Guest
that guy who played striker for Liverpool a few years back was pretty good