TIRELESS Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane loves the toughness Brad Crouch plays with, but concedes he's "not sure" if his teammate will remain at the Crows next year.
The Crows remain hopeful they can convince Crouch to re-sign with the club beyond this season.
When asked on Friday his thoughts on Crouch's future, Sloane replied: "I'm not sure.
"He is obviously a big and important part of our footy club and our midfield group and one bloke I love playing with because he cracks in harder than anyone.
"He treats his body with no respect at all, so he buries in and he gets it done for us.
"Look, I hope (he re-signs) and I just love playing with him."
Crouch has played just 34 games since making his debut in 2013.
The 22-year-old has returned to form after missing all of last year with stress fractures in his foot.
Crouch has been in and out of the Crows' team, which boasts plenty of midfield depth. Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Mitch Grigg have both been unable to get a game this year despite putting up big numbers in the SANFL.
However, the immediate focus for the Crows is Sunday's encounter with Essendon at Adelaide Oval.
On paper, it's a huge mismatch, but Sloane is unwilling to disregard a Bombers team which had its one and only win for the season against Melbourne in round two.
"Essendon's last four weeks have been really solid," Sloane said.
"They've certainly matched it with the teams they've played against.
"We've got to be on our game and we'll be keen to respond.
"Every game we're looking to play with that ruthless attitude and to keep going.
"We're after four (premiership) points every week and that's all we're after.
Sloane also supported the AFL Players Association's push to have two byes during the season.
"The one at the end isn't ideal because you don't have a rest for the whole competition," Sloane said.
"That's what we want as a whole competition – to have those two rests in the middle of the season to let your body recover a bit more because it does become a long year."
Sloane has played all 17 games for the Crows this year, ranking second in the AFL in tackles and ninth in contested possessions.
