Brad Crouch’s AFL journey appears to be nearing its end, with the St Kilda midfielder expected to announce his retirement due to a persistent degenerative knee condition. After being delisted by the Saints in late October, the club re-listed Crouch via the rookie draft—a move that sparked intrigue across the AFL world. While this strategy was largely procedural, allowing the Saints to maximize their National Draft picks, it underscores the challenges faced by Crouch and the club’s list management strategy.
The 30-year-old played just one senior game in 2024, his knee injury limiting his impact and raising doubts about his ability to continue at the elite level. Despite the re-listing, it’s now reported that Crouch has taken steps toward life beyond football. He has joined commercial real estate firm Colliers as a sales executive and is set to assist Noble Park as a non-playing coach in 2025.
The Saints’ decision to re-list Crouch on the rookie list, despite his impending retirement, also opens opportunities for them to bring in additional players through rookie or train-on deals. For Crouch, this transition symbolizes both the physical toll of professional football and a proactive approach to securing a post-playing career.
While his time on the field may be over, Crouch’s next chapter is already taking shape, blending business and coaching as he bids farewell to the AFL.
