Tom Clurey returns home to Katamatite to play for them in 2025

A defender with more than 120 games to his name has stepped away from his 2025 contract and will instead line up for a footy club in a town with a population of less than 500.

Tom Clurey (left) will be playing in Victoria next year. Photo by Michael Klein

Former Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey is going back to where it all began in 2025.

Clurey has signed for Katamatite in the Picola District league, in northern Victoria, returning to the club where he played growing up.

The 30-year-old, who played 130 games at the Power, was initially contracted to the South Australian club for 2025.

But he and Port Adelaide decided to part ways in the hope Clurey would land a deal somewhere else.

There were rumours West Coast was interested in the defender but ultimately nothing came up for Clurey.

Tom Clurey has returned home to his junior club. Picture: Katamatite Football Netball Club.

“It was a very big surprise he was able to come back to community footy next year considering he had a contract,” Katamatite president Casey Brown said.

“We always stated the best outcome for us was for Tom to continue playing (AFL) football.

“We wanted what was best for him. (But we) couldn’t be happier he’s joined Katamatite and joined his local club.”

Brown revealed the club signed the deal with Clurey last weekend and he was officially welcomed back by the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon.

He’s signed a one-year deal.

The president said negotiations ramped up when he knew Clurey was not going to get another AFL chance.

“When we heard the news drop he was leaving Port your mind starts to wander it could happen,” he said.

“It was more local chats (with him). He comes from a local town close by and when he came back we threw up the opportunity if he doesn’t get an AFL gig it could suit him to come back to Katamatite.

“It might suit his lifestyle to come and play with his brother (Nichol) who has been the captain for the past five to 10 years.

“That’s where it opened the door from where it went from a dream to reality.”

The goal following Clurey’s return is a simple one, a premiership.

Tom Clurey and Darcy Byrne-Jones train at a Port Adelaide session in 2021. Picture Mark Brake

It’s been 23 years since the Tigers won a flag and last season won the minor premiership before crashing out of finals.

Brown said Clurey adds another level to their squad, which was pretty much locked in already for next year.

“We were lucky to finish our recruiting very early,” he said.

“So we kind of thought we finished recruiting and then Tom came along which suited us great.

“It’s good for him to be in a position that he can be the icing on the cake.”

Brown said the team would use him not only in defence but also in the midfield.

The Tigers would use his endurance to hurt the opposition.

“Because he’s so athletic and has a big tank he can be played anywhere,” Brown said.

“He’ll start down back, next to his brother, across half back but we could move him on to the ball and use his long running to run midfielders off their feet.”