While Matt was preparing for the AIS-AFL Academy's game against the European Legion, his older brother Brad was midway through his AFL debut with Adelaide. Matt's concentration was a little shared, keeping updated via statistics but also getting ready for his own contest.
Back in Australia, Brad finished with 18 disposals in the Crows' win over the Brisbane Lions. And in England, Matt took another step towards joining his brother on an AFL list with a strong showing.
The midfielder was very busy in the Academy's 15.14 (104) to 3.0 (18) win at Surrey Sportspark. He picked balls off the ground and fed them to teammates, bustled through traffic, and competed well against the bigger, stronger bodies of the European side.
Academy coach Michael O'Loughlin highlighted the North Ballarat on-baller as a standout performer.
"I think he's certainly one for the future. He's really cool and calm under pressure and his quick hands and first-gives are always spot on," O'Loughlin told AFL.com.au.
"He also played well last week at the MCG against Collingwood's VFL side too."
Crouch wasn't the only draft hopeful to do well in the game, which was attended by a large group of AFL club recruiters.
Against the open-age European side, made up of players from France, Ireland, England and other surrounding countries, Matt Scharenberg showed his versatility and half-forward Ben Lennon continued his good early-season form.
Scharenberg, who already sits as a likely early pick at November's NAB AFL Draft, kicked three goals in the win but was also used in defence and further up the ground. His composure and creativity was on show, as was the South Australian's marking.
Lennon, who told AFL.com.au earlier this week he has intentions of playing in the midfield this season , spent most of the game around half-forward had made an impact.
He marked well on the lead, didn't look out of place against the more mature bodies, and set up scoring opportunities.
Marcus Bontempelli ran and jumped at the ball, Dwayne Wilson made things happen, Darcy Hourigan chipped in with a couple of goals, while Sydney Swans' scholarship holder Lloyd Perris' work through the middle and forward-line was effective.
The match was the centre-point of the squad's Europe tour, which has already seen it travel to Italy. On Tuesday, after the best part of a week in England, it will head to Copenhagen before returning to Australia next week.
Follow AFL website writer Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
