Adelaide veteran Matt Crouch has been forced into immediate retirement.

Crouch has been battling ongoing and persistent hip injuries and has decided to call time based on medical advice.

The 30-year-old played six senior games this year before he was sidelined with the debilitating hip injury.

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Crouch did return to the field in the SANFL before going down again in recent weeks.

While he hasn’t been a part of the senior side since Round 7, Crouch would have been a valuable depth option in the finals if he was fit.

However, he will now be watching on as a fan.

“To have played more than 160 games of AFL footy for this club is something I’ll forever be proud of,” Crouch said.

“I can sit here and point to the hip issues as the reason for retiring, and it of course factored in, but to be honest I feel really content and ready to move on to the next stage of my life.

“I spent 12 years at the Crows. I got engaged, became a father, built lifelong friendships and made some of the best memories anyone can have.

“I leave extremely grateful for my time and excited to cheer on the boys for their run in September.”

Crouch enjoyed a standout season in 2017, winning the best and fairest and All-Australian honours. He also holds the club record for most disposals in a season with his 825.

He retires with 164 games to his name across 12 years.

“Matt has always given his all to the club, both on and off the field,” Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly.

“He’s been a popular figure at West Lakes since he walked in the door back in 2013 and while it’s sad to see his AFL career come to an end, I sincerely hope he walks away extremely proud of what he has achieved.

“Proud of what he was achieving at the height of his career but maybe more so the way he responded in the later part of his career to fight for his spot in the team and then excel once more as an AFL midfielder.

“That is Matty’s legacy, that of a fierce competitor who wouldn’t back away from the contest.

“Matt, Ellie, Ava and Charlie - along with baby Crouch, who is due in October - will always be welcome at the Adelaide Football Club.”