ADELAIDE free agent Brad Crouch has indicated to Crows coach Matthew Nicks that he wants to remain at the club next season. 

Crouch considered a move to Gold Coast last year after initiating discussions with the Suns during the Telstra AFL Trade Period and is one of this year's most high-profile restricted free agents. 

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The 26-year-old, who won the Crows' best and fairest last season, remains out with a hamstring injury but Nicks said on Friday that the midfielder had informed him he wants to stay at the club. 

"He's given an inclination that he'd like to stay and in our conversations we've openly talked through that. It would just be how it pans out for him and what his management and where our list management go," Nicks said. 

Geelong and St Kilda registered their interest in Crouch last season. 

If he is to depart as a free agent the Crows would receive a compensation pick – potentially pick No.2 – based on his deal. 

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Crouch last month said he would "probably have to" leave the club if the Crows wanted him to depart so they can land another top draft selection. 

Nicks said Crouch, who is expected to return to the side in the next week or two after having his comeback delayed by a mishap on his veranda, was concentrating on getting his body right. 

"There's a lot of commentary about it. We've had ongoing discussions with Brad and I, and it's both sides of the coin. We want to work out exactly what he's looking to do longer term and he's talking to us in the same manner," Nicks said. 

"At the moment his focus is 100 per cent on getting himself back so he can play some footy and get himself right. 

"We've put some of those talks on hold between he and I, but I know there's ongoing discussions with his management and our list management." 

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Fellow Crow Rory Atkins is an unrestricted free agent this year.