GUN ADELAIDE onballer Brad Crouch is set for an extended period on the sidelines with groin surgery set for next week after being unable to shake his injury.

Crouch, 24, admitted in March to having osteitis pubis, despite his coach Don Pyke having denied that diagnosis a week earlier.

A fortnight ago, the tough nut said the decision at that stage was to avoid going under the knife because the surgeons he consulted believed operating on groins could be troublesome.

However, the long-term nature of the problem and the lack of recovery Crouch has experienced has led to this decision.

"Unfortunately, Brad's injury is not responding as well as we would have liked to the strengthening program that we have been undertaking," Adelaide football manager Brett Burton told afc.com.au.

"We have decided surgery is the best course of action given this latest setback.

"The decision was made after speaking with Brad, his family, and the team of medical specialists and surgeons who have been examining him and exploring all other alternatives over the last few months.

"As always, the health and welfare of our players is paramount."

Crouch played the most recent of his 61 career games in last year's Grand Final loss.

He lined up in 20 matches last season, the most he has managed in a year.

Fellow midfielder Rory Sloane (foot), captain Taylor Walker (glute/back) and high-flying forward Mitch McGovern (ankle) remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, impressive forward Darcy Fogarty has tacked an extra two years on to his contract to keep him committed at the club until the end of 2021.

Drafted with the No.12 selection last year, Fogarty has impressed with his aggression and ability to make an immediate impact in his six games.

The South Australian was thrilled to have extended his deal.

"Everyone at the club has been fantastic to me ever since I arrived," Fogarty told afc.com.au.

"As a kid, you dream of playing AFL footy and to get the chance to do that at the Crows is amazing.

"It's a great environment to play and train in and I look forward to continuing to learn from my teammates and coaches."

Adelaide list manager Justin Reid was similarly happy.

"Darcy's work ethic and commitment since he arrived at the club has been first class," Reid said.

"His ability to transition from underage and state league football to the AFL has been really impressive.

"As a first-round draft pick, we clearly rate him highly and are excited to see him continue to develop."