Tasmanian tyros Mitch O’Neill and Fraser Turner out to reboot AFL careers in SANFL

After being cut by their AFL clubs, a pair of young Tasmanians are determined to get back to the big time via the SANFL.

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TASMANIAN young guns Mitch O’Neill and Fraser Turner will try to resurrect their AFL careers with an ambitious switch to SANFL club South Adelaide this season.

O’Neill, 19, was cut by West Coast in October and Turner, 19, was cut by Richmond, both without playing an AFL game.

O’Neill, who signed with South Adelaide just before Christmas, relocated to Adelaide on Sunday to begin his road back to the big league.

The talented onballer, taken at pick 25 of the 2019 rookie draft, said it was an ideal option for the Hobart pair.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” O’Neill said.

Tasmanian AFL draftees Mitch O'Neill, 18 who was picked by West Coast and Matt McGuinness, 19 who was picked by North Melbourne. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“When I left West Coast I needed a Plan B and the SANFL was a good option.

“After I got delisted my manager sat me down to work out the best move for me.

“Clubs started calling in – Norwood, Central Districts, South, and clubs like that – so I went over to South Adelaide just before Christmas and came back home and decided I would go to Souths.”

It could be the pathway back to the AFL.

“That’s the plan,” O’Neill said.

14/4/19 Tasmania Devils versus Calder Cannons in NAB League clash at Penguin. Devils M. O'Neill breaks away from his opponent. Picture: GRANT WELLS

“The end goal for me is to get back on a list so I’ll keep chipping away and give it as long as it takes to get back into the AFL.”

Turner, drafted to the Tigers with pick 58 in the 2018 national draft, is also going to be a Panther.

“It’s good to be there with a mate like him,” O’Neill said.

“We both played together in our junior days – Mariners and Allies – so it will be good fun.’

South Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright is wrapped to add two young guns to his squad.

“Mitch is a quality young developing player who has the ability to play inside or out,” Wright said.

“He’s a strong competitor who has great ball-winning ability so he will add plenty to our midfield.

“Fraser is an elite runner who can cover the ground through wing/half back.

“He has a terrific work ethic and has played some strong VFL footy and was in Richmond’s VFL premiership in 2019.

“It is very exciting to get Fraser to the club to continue his development.”