Tom Clurey

“That’s the hope”: Axed defender holding onto AFL dream

He still had one year remaining on his contract.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Delisted Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey still hopes his AFL dream will continue into next year despite departing the club with one year remaining on his contract.

The Power and Clurey came to the mutual decision to part ways after 124 games, with the 30-year-old anticipating the end before it happened.

The 29th pick in the 2012 National Draft is adamant that his best football is in front of him after recently overcoming a string of injuries that's limited him to 25 games in four years.

"I knew it was going to happen for a little bit. It's all finally done now, so we can move on," Clurey told SEN SA The Run Home.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Tom Clurey of the Power in action during the round 3 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

"The last two years have definitely been tough. This year I was injury-free and obviously didn't get an AFL opportunity.

"But because I was injury-free and didn't miss any games, that was one thing I was positive about the season.

"In the three or four years before that, I had a run of injuries, year after year, that was definitely tough."

Clurey was linked to West Coast during the trade period to help cover the loss of Tom Barrass but ultimately fell through.

Now, as a delisted free agent who can sign during next month's period (November 1-8) or as a pre-season supplemental selection, clubs aren't required to pony up any draft capital or players to secure the 193cm defender, making the Victorian an intriguing prospect.

"That's the hope (to find another club)," Clurey added.

"I'm only 30 years old, and, as I said, I played a full season of footy this year and still feel I've got a bit to give.

"I'll be putting my hand up, and if there's anyone out there or any train on spots, I'll be jumping at that.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 12: Darcy Byrne-Jones of Port Adelaide competes with Tom Clurey of Port Adelaide for a Tom Jonas of Port Adelaide handballs during a Port Adelaide Power AFL training session at Alberton Oval on October 12, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

"In the trade period, nothing eventuated there, which was a little bit disappointing. Hopefully, over the next month or two, we can have some more positive news.

"I've still got the passion and desire to play AFL footy and still feel I can, so we'll see how that plays out."

After debuting in 2014, Clurey has played 124 games across 12 seasons with the power, including 23 in 2017.

Published by
Aidan Cellini