ADELAIDE midfielder Brad Crouch has nominated St Kilda as his club of choice for next season.

A restricted free agent, Crouch has informed the Saints he wishes to head to Moorabbin and assist the club's pursuit for a premiership in 2021.

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The 26-year-old will accept a five-year deal which will have a major impact on the potential compensation for the Crows.

Crouch has long been chasing a long-term deal, but interest elsewhere cooled after he was hit with a two-match ban when caught with an illicit substance last month.

Geelong had inquired in the Ballarat product but this week landed Jeremy Cameron, and while Port Adelaide considered him, were only prepared to offer three seasons.

Under free agency rules the Crows will have the right to match the Saints' bid for Crouch which would then force a trade.

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However, if they let him walk, the Crows will be handed free agency compensation from the AFL.

Should the Saints' contract be large enough – roughly more than $700,000 per season – then Crouch's departure will net the Crows a pick (No.2) after their current first-round selection. 

But if the deal is less, then the likely compensation would gain the Crows an end-of-first-round compensation pick.

The Saints currently own picks 15, 58 and 71 at this year's NAB AFL Draft.

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They also have interest in Greater Western Sydney midfielder Jye Caldwell on a long-term deal with the 20-year-old Giant also weighing up interest from Essendon.

The Saints showed interest in Crouch throughout 2019 when he still had a year to run on his contract before he pursued a move to Gold Coast. 

While the Suns were open to the possibility of exploring a move for Crouch, it fell through given his asking price and the Crows' reluctance to move him fresh from a 2019 best and fairest.

Crouch returned to the Crows in 2020 and only managed 12 games due to a hamstring setback.

His decision to join the Saints will see him slot into a promising midfield that includes reigning best and fairest Jack Steele, Seb Ross, Bradley Hill, Dan Hannebery, Zak Jones, Jack Billings and Jade Gresham.

Despite landing Hill, Paddy Ryder, Dan Butler, Zak Jones and Dougal Howard last year, the Saints have ample room in their salary cap given their salary cap underspend in recent seasons.