Jackson Hately says he’s “super confident” he still has what it takes to succeed at AFL level despite being delisted by the Adelaide Crows last month.
Hately, 22, has 28 AFL appearances to his name, including 15 at the Crows after moving from GWS after the 2020 season.
Despite impressive reserves form that saw Hately earn a spot in the SANFL 2023 Team of the Year on the wing, the Crows – with a stocked midfield unit at AFL level – didn’t offer him a new contract.
But Hately has faith that he’s good enough to make it at the top level and hopes to earn another opportunity.
“I’m super confident in what I can do on an AFL field. This year the opportunities weren’t really there and sometimes that’s just what happens, we had a really healthy midfield group and a team that was playing quite well, but I feel extremely confident that I can still play really good AFL footy and I feel like I have played good AFL footy in the past,” he told AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Exchange.
“This year the opportunities didn’t quite come… it wasn’t meant to be. But I’m still super confident.”
Hately played 19 SANFL games in 2023, averaging 25 disposals, five marks, five clearance and five inside 50s predominantly as an inside midfielder.
“It’s funny, this was my fifth year in the system and I had one game as the sub where I played a quarter of footy… I felt like it’s definitely the best I’ve been as a footballer this year but it’s the least amount of games I’ve played,” he continued.
“It’s funny how it happens sometimes, it’s not always linear, but I take confidence from the fact that I certainly got better this year as a footballer.
“I’m definitely willing to move states… I’ve really enjoyed these last few years but having said that, I’ve got a partner who lives in Melbourne and has lived in Melbourne the last three years, so it’s definitely something I’m open to.”
In the absence of any interest from clubs, Hately is happy to head back to the state leagues and earn a way back into the AFL system.
“I’m going to continue to give it a red hot crack because I still have that confidence and drive to play AFL footy,” he added.
“I still see myself playing good state league footy and doing what I can.”
Hately is set to decide between the SANFL, VFL or other options in the next fortnight.
While he requested a trade at the end of 2020, he walked to Adelaide through the pre-season draft.
