Delisted West Coast defender Alex Witherden has continued his footballing journey in 2025, signing with Sydney University in the AFL Sydney Men's Premier Division for the upcoming season.
Witherden was let go by the Eagles at the cessation of the 2024 campaign, playing 62 games across four seasons, including becoming a consistent feature during COVID-19-impacted years.
The 26-year-old had originally been drafted by Brisbane at Pick 23 in the 2016 AFL Draft, and after 59 outings, moved west for more opportunities.
However, West Coast have entered a new era under coach Andrew McQualter, and Witherden wasn't seen as a part of their future, allowing the Students Club to swoop.
"We're extremely excited to announce that Alex Witherden has signed on for the 2025 season!" the club statement read.
"Alex comes to us after spending eight years in the AFL with the Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles, playing 121 games and winning two Rising Star nominations in 2017 and 2018.
"He will be a wonderful playing addition to an excellent midfield group while also bringing a few years of coaching and leadership experience into his second role as senior assistant coach under Tim Spehr."
Sydney University finished fourth last year, and lost to the Manly Warringah Wolves in the second week of the 2024 finals.
Despite Witherden's AFL dream appearing closed, under the mid-season draft rules, he is still eligible for selection - not by West Coast - halfway through the 2025 season.
