Delisted Adelaide forward Ned McHenry has revealed there "might be an opportunity" to continue his football career, but the 24-year-old could step away from the sport for other interests following his Crows exit.
McHenry was axed by the club after 70 games at AFL level this off-season, parting ways with Adelaide six years after being recruited out of Barwon Heads as a first-round draft selection.
The small forward was one of four Crows delisted by the club last week, while Elliott Himmelberg has left for Gold Coast and veteran Rory Sloane has hung up the boots.
McHenry is open to continuing his career and playing football, but with a burgeoning fishing show calledย Reel Talk on Channel 7 growing, McHenry could look elsewhere in life after the AFL.
"The reality is there might be an opportunity to keep playing on at a high level. I've got to work through what that looks like," McHenry toldย FiveAA.
"I'm also excited about what could be next outside of footy. I feel like I've put a lot of work into pursuing interests that's work-related and outside of footy.
"It might be that that's what is next for me. I don't feel like I'm one-dimensional and just a footy person. I love my footy and loved my time, but there are other interests."
McHenry said his West Lakes exit came with little surprise, having not been offered a new contract after a 10-game season - the lowest since his debut campaign.
The young attacker said he was satisfied with how the club handled the situation.
"I'm in a good space. I'm pretty comfortable with everything and I'm excited with what's to come. I'm not disappointed," McHenry added.
"I probably had my head around that reality for a couple months. I was comfortable with all the discussions with the club throughout. They heard me out around where I was at.
"I'm excited with what's next."
McHenry could look to remain in South Australia and join a SANFL club or return to his home state of Victoria and join the VFL, while local level options are also available.
