Former Sydney Swans utility Jaiden Magor has returned to his junior club South Adelaide for the 2025 season in a huge boost for the Panthers.
Magor was delisted by the Swans last month after two years at the club, during which time he was unable to break through for an AFL game.
Selected with Pick 31 in the 2022 Rookie Draft, Magor played 36 VFL games in his time at the Swans, mainly as a midfielder.
Magor played his junior football at South Adelaide as a mid-sized forward, kicking 23 goals from 10 games and earning selection in South Australia's U18 team in his draft year.
Upon announcing his return to the club, Magor spoke positively of the club's list profile and the direction it is heading in.
"I'm very excited to return to South. We've got a good group of young boys that I've grown up playing with throughout my juniors, which is something I'm really looking forward to," Magor said.
South Adelaide coach Jarrod Wright said he is keen to bring in Magor's experience with the Swans' highly successful program that has seen them contest two of the past three grand finals.
"It is great to get Jaiden back into the footy club after his two years at Sydney," Wright said.
"He has been part of a successful AFL program and will bring valuable learning and experience to the team.
"Jaiden was drafted as a forward/midfielder but has spent the last year refining his defensive game at Sydney.
"He's a smart decision-maker and handles the ball well. While he's versatile in the positions he can play, we'll look to explore his potential further in the midfield over the summer."
A versatile player who can play multiple positions, Magor could be used as cover for the loss of Kobe Mutch through the midfield, who returned to Woodville-West Torrens last week.
Magor's signing comes after the announcement that another former junior Luke Bogle will return to the club next year, while Olivier Northam and Will Splann have also joined the Panthers.
The Southerners will be hoping these recruits can help them rise up the ladder after finishing ninth in 2024 with just four wins.