Tom Schmusch leaves SANFL, signs at Adelaide Footy League division one club Port District for season 2022

A division one Adelaide Footy League club has landed a key defender for 2022 despite competition for his signature from the Crows.

SANFL defender Tom Schmusch has decided to call time at the Eagles and join his old Adelaide Footy League division one club Port District, despite keen interest from the Crows.

The 22-year-old key defender, who came up through SA’s state sides and was touted as a draft possibility before beginning at the Eagles, turned down an approach from Adelaide SANFL coach Michael Godden in favour of an amateur footy move.

Schmusch had been in and out of the Eagles’ league team and said he wanted to take a break from the non-stop nature of the state league.

Supplied by SANFL

“Love the Eagles, the club and its people, but last season I probably wasn’t playing the footy I would have liked to and I wasn’t enjoying it much which was reflected in my play,” Schmusch said.

“Training and games covering five nights a week is a massive commitment and it became a little bit of a chore to be honest.

“Godden called me and wanted me out there (Adelaide) but I turned it down. There might be that option in the future but right now I’m looking forward to starting at Port.”

Schmusch won a premiership with Port District as an under-16 before starting his SANFL career with the Eagles and is looking forward to pushing for another with the Magpies.

Schmusch representing South Australia against the Allies. Picture: Roger Wyman

He was impressed by his meetings with new coach Josh Ramsey and said the club was in a strong position to challenge for division one glory.

“I was weighing up whether to play in the country but Port District is my old team and a strong division one club which means I’ll still be playing at a high level,” Schmusch said.

“I’ve spoken with Josh (Ramsey) and he was a massive part of me signing. I was very impressed by him and the club.

“The club is in a great spot right now and has already made some big signings like Tom and Sam Gray so I think we’ve got the right tools.”

Schmusch being put through his paces at the AFL's state draft combine in 2017. Picture: Tom Huntley

Next season will be Schmusch’s first at senior Adelaide Footy League level.

He said he’ll look to have a big impact both on and off the field.

“I’m hoping to help the club out as much as possible with my experience. The more knowledge I can bring the more successful we can be and I’m more than happy to lead and be vocal,” he said.

“It’s all going to be very new to me but I’m just looking forward to being able to enjoy my footy and have fun again.”

The signing of Schmusch marks the continuation of Port’s active off-season and he will also be joined by Eagles teammate and midfielder Cooper Gaffney.