And then there was Crouch....(retiring at end of season)

[ROK Lobster]

Seems that Leo will be his final tag.

[Lohengrin]

I'm glad he's decided to retire and what a wonderful career he had.

If not for his ugly kicking he could have been one of the leading players in the competition during his peak.

In particular he should be congratulated for a fantastic 2005 season and especially in finals where he would have been our best player and was instrumental in our flag.

[dimelb]

Thanks Crouchy for a wonderful career, you deserve every plaudit that comes your way. Special thanks for your effort in the 2005 finals series, probably our best player overall at that crucial stage. We admire your courage and determination and your commitment to playing your role for the team's advantage. We'll miss you.
Finally, thanks for your work with Jack and Smith - they are gifted players but also a credit to your time with them. Have you thought about coaching?
Best wishes for the future.
And what a massively emotional game it will be against Brisbane!

[giant]

His 2005 final series was outstanding and one of the enduring memories will be lunging head first at a free ball into oncoming traffic in the GF that led to a crucial goal.

Gave it all to the club and you can't ask much more than that. Good luck in the future Crouchy!

[AnnieH]

Sniff.
What a top bloke.
Always has time for the little people.

Sniff.

(Send me a red and a white Crouchy!!)

[ShockOfHair]

His 2005 final series was outstanding and one of the enduring memories will be lunging head first at a free ball into oncoming traffic in the GF that led to a crucial goal.

Yeah, one of his great moments (though not a bad second effort by Schneider for that goal). My other Crouch memory from 2005 was him turning Milne(?) around in a tackle with one hand, stopping a likely goal. Not bad for a little fella.

[Lucky Knickers]

Are there enough tissues in Sydney to mop up our collective tears!
Thanks Jared. I've always admired his integrity. His work in the wider community, not just AFL, has been outstanding.
As a player, what more could you want? Completely committed and focused.
My favourite play int he GF was that contest on the wing in front of the WCE interchange to stop Kerr in his tracks. The one where his ankle was shot!

[liz]

In particular he should be congratulated for a fantastic 2005 season and especially in finals where he would have been our best player and was instrumental in our flag.

His 2005 final series was outstanding and one of the enduring memories will be lunging head first at a free ball into oncoming traffic in the GF that led to a crucial goal.

That Geelong SF will always, understandably, be remembered as the Nick Davis game. But had it not been for Crouch's outstanding work in the first half when most of the team was completely flat, Davo would have needed to kick more like 8 goals in the final term to save us. He almost single-handedly kept us in that game early on, and took a lot of physical punishment from the Cats in the process.

Fully deserved his "best finals player" tag in that year and is one of a handful we can confidently say we wouldn't have won a flag without.

[Triple B]

My favourite play int he GF was that contest on the wing in front of the WCE interchange to stop Kerr in his tracks. The one where his ankle was shot!

I thought that was on the other side of the ground

Nevertheless, it was a moment which captured Crouch perfectly. Good thought LK.

[top40]

That Geelong SF will always, understandably, be remembered as the Nick Davis game. But had it not been for Crouch's outstanding work in the first half when most of the team was completely flat, Davo would have needed to kick more like 8 goals in the final term to save us. He almost single-handedly kept us in that game early on, and took a lot of physical punishment from the Cats in the process.

Fully deserved his "best finals player" tag in that year and is one of a handful we can confidently say we wouldn't have won a flag without.

No question a fit Croach on board in the 2006 Finals would have made the difference for the Swans to win back to back flags.

[Bloody Hell]

Congradulations. Excellent player in his prime - never the same after the long layoff, but still able to put many of his peers to shame. Often sent to defense to straighten the team up in times of need. Will be missed.

[j s]

Crouch announces his retirement

Crouch joins queue at Swans exit - RFNews - realfooty.com.au

I hear the sound of corks popping in the Akermanis house

[CureTheSane]

Probably time to go.
More than serviceable for most of his career.
Ironic that injuries took their toll after 'that' run of games.

[Thunder Shaker]

Ironic that injuries took their toll after 'that' run of games.

Duct tape, baling twine and fencing wire can only do so much.

[Go Swannies]

Well done Crouchie on an exceptional career. We all owe you a lot. Perhaps the spiritual backbone of the Bloods? I love that you made up your mind a while ago but didn't think it necessary to tell anyone - that sense of pride and privacy marks you as your own person.

It's a bit annoying to see the shortsighted here who have been on about "too old, too slow" without thinking of how you broke that remarkably quick body for the team. My favourite Crouch moment was a few years ago when one of the young Aboriginal speedsters was new (Davey) and took the ball in space on the wing and took off only to be flattened by your tackle a few metres on. "Holding the ball." The look on his face as he picked himself up thinking "where the hell did he come from?" was priceless.

Though Aker bitch slapping you was both funny and bizarre, too. I remember Willo telling me that you never shut up on the field so I guess Aker couldn't get a word in and lost it.

You're part of a special group. R22 at the SCG is going to be so very hard. Magic, Leo and now you. [Note to self to bring sunnies so noone can see the tears.]