The former Norwood junior arrived at the Club via a first round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 1995 Draft and made his debut in 1998. Remarkably he then didn’t miss any of the next 194 games, breaking the AFL record for the number of consecutive games played from debut.
Other achievements in Jared’s fourteen years at the Swans include receiving a Rising Star nomination in 1998 and playing in the International Rules Series in 2003 and 2004. Jared played in the 2005 Premiership, is a Life Member of the Club and reached the 200 game milestone last season.
The unassuming player told his teammates late yesterday of his decision to retire at season’s end.
“I knew at the beginning of the season that this was going to be my last and it was just a matter of when I was going to publicly announce it,” Crouch said.
“I don’t have a great recollection of standout games or anything like that. To me it is all about the friendships I have made over the years.
“Like those with the boys who will retire with me, Mick O’Loughlin and Leo Barry, current players Adam Goodes, Jarrad McVeigh and Jude Bolton, past players Matthew Nicks, Jason Ball and Tadhg Kennelly to name just a few, as well as the coaching staff and people at the Club. To me, that is what is really important and special.
“I have loved all the things that footy has allowed me to do, from being an ambassador for World Youth Day, going to New York to run in the famous marathon for the Heart Foundation, being an Oncology Children’s Foundation ambassador, to all the thousands of kids I have got to visit and meet through the Team Swans programme. They are all highlights as well.
“I want to thank all the members, the sponsors, the players, coaching staff and Club staff who have come and gone throughout my playing career… just everyone for the support and love over the years.”
Coach Paul Roos said Crouch will be missed for what he has brought to the Club both on and off the field.
“From the first moment Crouchy walked into the Club I could see he had a single minded desire simply to be the best player he could possibly be and he would do everything in his power to achieve that goal,” Roos said.
“It was this attitude that enabled him to play on and beat some of the best midfielders of the modern era and to be one of the most important players in our 2005 premiership year, earning the Best Finals Player Award.
“He is also one player who has fully embraced the footy club, including being at the forefront of our Team Swans community programme, which means he will not only be missed on the field but also off the field.
“He has already started a wine business called Brothers Parade, and I have no doubt he will be successful in all that he pursues after footy.”
Jared Crouch
Career games to date: 221
Career goals to date: 51
AFL/Swans debut: 1998
