After 10 years in the AFL system - two missed entirely through injury, off-field controversy, and even a brief thought of retirement, Brad Crouch, at last, celebrated the century.

Selected in the 2011 mini-draft, Crouch quickly became a mainstay in Adelaide's midfield, winning the Crows' best-and-fairest in 2019.

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After a stagnant period, the 27-year-old decided to return to his home state at the end of 2020 and joined St Kilda.

Crouch's 100th game would ultimately be one to remember, the onballer named among the Saints' best in the 69-point drubbing of Hawthorn.

"I think the main thing that attracted me to the Saints was the history. We haven't won a flag in a long time, and it would be pretty cool to be a part of that if we could get one over the line in the next few years," Crouch told saints.com.au.

"I think that really excited me in comparison to going to one of the teams that have been successful in the last five to 10 years and chasing the flag with them, so that's probably one of the main things for me.

The move to St Kilda was definitely somewhat of a homecoming for Crouch, the Saints having long-held ties with the Ballarat region, and the recruit reuniting with longtime friend and former GVW Rebel teammate Seb Ross.

"I guess that gives me that little bit more of a sense of belonging, and I can sort of attach myself back to Ballarat in a way," Crouch said.

Crouch and the Saints next play Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.

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