Adelaide will lose Rory Atkins at the end of the AFL season with the unrestricted free agent set to explore his options elsewhere.

The Crows on Friday took the unusual step of announcing the move in-season after Atkins informed the club of his intentions.

The 26-year-old wingman has played 101 games with Adelaide, including the 2017 grand final.

But he has fallen out of favour in 2020 under first-year coach Matthew Nicks, with the winless Crows sitting last on the ladder.

“Rory is a quality person, popular and highly respected by everyone at our club,” Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly said.

“We respect and appreciate his honesty in coming to us and putting forward his intentions.

“After a great deal of thought and discussion, we mutually agreed that it is best for Rory to be released from his commitments at the club.”

Like Atkins, experienced trio Brad Crouch, Kyle Hartigan and David Mackay are also eligible for free agency this year.

Star midfielder Crouch won the Crows’ best-and-fairest last year and has indicated his desire to stay with the club.