Local SA footy player movement rumour mill

The local SA footy off-season is here and a number of big name players could be set to join a community club for 2026. Read everything we’ve heard through the rumour mill.

James Aish will be asked about a return to community footy by a number of SA clubs. Picture: Michael Klein

The local SA footy silly season is here with a number of clubs looking to bolster their troops after a thrilling 2025.

With a number of former AFL and SANFL players potentially available across the state, word is beginning to travel on where some of the big names could end up.

The rumour mill is already in full motion and will only continue to gather pace in the coming weeks and months.

So, in no particular order, here are some of the whispers we’re hearing about where the big names could be playing next year.

Retired Crow Brodie Smith could not guarantee what his future would hold after calling time on his 273-game AFL career, but word is local clubs will ask the question. Smith’s junior outfit, D2 AdFL club Henley, could be the best suitor. Picture: Dean Martin

Oleg Markov has been delisted by Collingwood after falling out of the Pies starting 22 in recent seasons. While a return home to SA is not guaranteed for the 2023 premiership player, many clubs, namely junior club Gepps Cross, are said to be keeping an eye on the situation. Picture: Michael Klein

James Aish has been delisted by Fremantle and is said to be on the watch list for a number of local clubs. The former Payneham Norwood Union and Norwood gun would be a major pick-up. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

South Adelaide co-captain Jake Summerton has called time on his SANFL career and will be approached by hometown club Wallaroo ahead of next season. The Yorke Peninsula FL club is said to be keen on landing the star leader if available. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

Jack Delean has been delisted by Fremantle and while the former South Adelaide young gun could make a return to the SANFL, junior club Reynella is said to be keen on his services if available. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Willie Rioli will play for Tiwi this NTFL season after leaving the AFL and is said to be a chance to return to SA footy at the local level. The former Glenelg player could be approached by a number of outfits this off-season. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

SA-based Jeremy Finlayson will also play for Tiwi in the NTFL this year and the former Power utility has now signed with Myponga-Sellicks in the Great Southern Football League. Picture: Cory Sutton

Former Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas has met with the Bridgewater Callington Football Club and discussed playing for the Raiders during the 2026 Hills FL season. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Former Port Adelaide gun Hamish Hartlett is close to signing with Bridgewater Callington for the 2026 Hills FL season. Picture: Dean Martin

Former Gold Coast and Brisbane player Sam Day has retired after playing half of the 2025 season and is said to be a name drawing interest from junior club Mitcham. He could also be an option for Prince Alfred OC as an old collegian. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Sean Lemmens has retired after 149 games with Gold Coast Suns and the former Salisbury and Port Adelaide SANFL player will be approached by a number of SA clubs. Pic: Michael Klein

Orazio Fantasia has been delisted by Carlton and while the former Norwood gun is a big chance to return to the Redlegs, there is word junior club Payneham Norwood Union will ask the question of the skilled forward. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Former Carlton youngster Harry Lemmey was delisted by the Blues and should be approached by a number of clubs at the local level, with junior club Blackwood said to be interested. Picture: David Crosling

Hugh Jackson has been delisted by Port Adelaide and while the versatile youngster could find his way on to another AFL list or back to the SANFL, hometown club Crystal Brook is said to be interested in his services. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Dual Sturt premiership player Henry Carey has called time on his SANFL career and will be approached by a number of local SA clubs, including his junior outfit Unley Mercedes Jets. Picture: Cory Sutton

Connor McLean has retired from the SANFL and is a name of interest for a number of clubs. Payneham Norwood Union is one club which is said to be interested in the former Redleg. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz