INS & OUTS 2026

[wenchbarwer]

He's getting serious with cricket instead

Sturt premiership star Connor McFadyen swaps Sherrin for a Kookaburra

Connor McFadyen had long wondered how far he could have gone with his cricket.

Now – after spending the past nine years focusing on football – the former Australia under-16 representative is testing the waters.

Fresh from playing a starring role in Sturt winning this year’s SANFL premiership, the gun full forward has turned to taking cricket seriously again – swapping the Sherrin for a Kookaburra – and is uncertain whether he will play SANFL again.

The 25-year-old has linked up with his younger brother, Noah, at SACA Premier Cricket club Adelaide and joined the exclusive club of dual sportsmen to play both cricket and football at a high level.

“When I was younger I could have tried to go down the cricket path but I chose footy instead,’’ McFadyen said.

“Now I want to see how far I can go with my cricket. I don’t have any plans to make it as a professional but I want to see if I can do all right for Adelaide while also getting the chance to play with my brother.’’

The powerfully-built, 191cm McFadyen represented Australia’s under-16 side as an all-rounder in 2016 – alongside current state-contracted cricketers Liam Scott and Mackenzie Harvey (South Australia) and Oliver Davies (NSW) – after shining for Queensland at state under-15, under-17 and under-19 level.

But he pulled the pin on the sport to focus on football – where he had been a member of the Brisbane Lions Academy since age 11 and had made the 2018 All-Australian under-18 team for the Allies – and was rewarded by being selected by his hometown club the Lions at pick 42 at the 2018 AFL national draft.

“Growing up I was probably better at cricket than footy, but I had a real desire to try to make it in the AFL,’’ he said.

Following his delisting, McFadyen moved to Adelaide in 2023 to join Sturt in the hope of playing well enough to catch the eye of AFL recruiters and revive his AFL dream.

He moved in with good friend and former Queensland under-age state cricket teammate Nathan McSweeney, who has gone on to captain SA and make the Australia Test team, and enjoyed three strong SANFL seasons with Sturt.

Playing initially as a key defender and then later at full forward, McFadyen made the 2023 The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year and featured in two grand finals for the Double Blues, losing to Glenelg in 2023 and turning the tables against the Tigers in this year’s premiership decider, capping a season for the ages where Sturt lost only one game.

But an AFL recall never came, prompting McFadyen to opt – temporarily at least – for a code switch.

Wiping the rust away by playing some hard-wicket cricket with Double Blues teammates Charlie Fryer and James Richards at Hills club Stirling in the previous two seasons, McFadyen has given away his once deadly medium-pace bowling, instead trying his hand at off-spin, while continuing to use his powerhouse physique as a hard-hitting, middle-order batsman.

“I had fun playing in the Hills league but I didn’t take it that seriously because the competition wasn’t that strong,’’ he said.

“I won the association medal while only playing half the games and thinking that I didn’t do that well. I filled in for a couple of T20 games for Adelaide during that time and really enjoyed them, so it got me thinking that maybe I should give a higher level of cricket another go to see how far I could go.

“Now here I am and hopefully I can do well, both for Adelaide and myself.’’

Describing himself as a “middle-order batsman who scores quickly and a part-time offie’’, McFadyen has played six First Grade matches for the Buffalos this season – three T20s, two One-Day Cup games and a two-day clash where he was presented with his baggy red cap.

He is averaging 13 with the bat and has taken a wicket, with a couple of run outs in T20s ruining his average.

Fellow all-rounder Noah followed in his dad’s footsteps last season by tying for the prestigious Bradman Medal as SACA Premier Cricket’s most outstanding men’s player in his first year in Adelaide.

Brian won the medal in 1990-91 with Port Adelaide while he was a member of the then SA-based Australian Cricket Academy.

“Dad’s given me a little bit of positive feedback with my cricket in the past few weeks, which has been nice,’’ McFadyen said.

“He loves watching me play footy but he doesn’t mind me having another crack at cricket, which is cool.’’

McFadyen had only played cricket with Noah once prior to this season – when Noah made his First XI debut for St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Connor’s final school match.

“It’s great to be able to play with Noah again but the roles have certainly been reversed,’’ he said.

“In the one previous game we played together I was captain and presented him with his cap

and now he’s captain and telling me what to do.

“It’s not ideal but he’s very smart with his cricket and we have plenty of fun together.’’

Before choosing cricket, Noah was also a fine footballer who was in the Lions academy and made the 2019 All-Australian under-16 team.

Despite being one of the SANFL’s best players – he has kicked 86 goals, including 38 last season, in 57 games for Sturt – McFadyen is uncertain whether he will return to the competition next season.

“I’ve loved playing with Sturt for the past three years, the boys have been awesome and it was great to win the granny this year,’’ he said.

“I came over here to further my footy career and to try to get back on an AFL list and while the AFL part didn’t happen I got back to enjoying my footy again.

“As for next year, I’m not too sure at the moment, I’m still weighing things up. The club’s been good about it, putting a contract to me and asking me to get back to them when I can, so we’ll see what happens.’’

The last two dual sportsmen to play regular SANFL league football and SACA Premier Cricket in the same year were the just-retired Luke Reynolds and Isaac Johnson in 2018-19.
Reynolds played football for Glenelg and cricket for Port while Johnson played footy for West Adelaide and cricket for West Torrens.

[norwood8]

Really need to get that salary cap up to make it worth the commitment playing SANFL requires.

We all know the disgraceful money being thrown around in the ammos/country footy will continue to be there.

[amber_fluid]

Really need to get that salary cap up to make it worth the commitment playing SANFL requires.

We all know the disgraceful money being thrown around in the ammos/country footy will continue to be there.

And reduce training commitments
Would there be any other non professional or even semi professional sport that trains as much as sanfl players?

[UK Fan]

Really need to get that salary cap up to make it worth the commitment playing SANFL requires.

We all know the disgraceful money being thrown around in the ammos/country footy will continue to be there.

didnt the SANFL introduce a salary cap to the ammos some years ago ??

[wenchbarwer]

This was a great article by Andrew Capel earlier in the year, worth a re-run, I feel. 16 football hours a week means a SANFL footballer is essentially working fulltime, every day of the week, for 39 weeks. Absolutely ridiculous...

My Two Cents: SANFL players’ association calls for CBA to keep the league sustainable | Andrew Capel

Most SANFL footballers are being paid only $8 an hour to play in Australia’s best state league competition, it has been revealed.

In an eye-opening report released by the SANFL Players’ Association, the staggeringly low money South Australia’s top suburban footballers are earning illustrates they are primarily playing for the love of the game, while also trying to achieve team success at a high level.

While many SANFL teenagers - and some mature-age prospects - are dreaming big and aspiring to play in the AFL, the majority of state league players are doing it tough as they combine their passion for the competition with full-time work.

The report - the brainchild of SANFLPA president and dual Sturt premiership player Matt Crocker - was compiled following a comprehensive, competition-wide survey conducted in April, with players from all eight standalone clubs invited to participate.

It revealed the typical SANFL player who played at least 18 games in 2024 was paid between $3001 and $5000 (including superannuation and before tax).

This is despite SANFL players committing an average of 16 hours a week, for 39 weeks a year (624 hours total), to their clubs to play in the league.

Their time commitment includes games, training, team meetings, gym and medical/physio appointments.

For a player paid $5000, his hourly pay is just $8.

The figure is even less for 35 percent of SANFL players, with that group earning between $1001 and $3000 last season.

While the very best or ‘marquee’ players at SANFL clubs can make up to $30,000 a year (15 players earned more than $15,000 in 2024), clubs have to spread their $335,000 in salary cap money among their entire playing list.

That is way less than the average AFL player, who played at least one game in 2024, earned ($493,592).

In the past 20 years, total player payments for AFL players has risen by 50 per cent (this year’s AFL salary cap is $17.7 million), while SANFL players’ pay has fallen (in real terms) by 50 per cent.

The SANFL salary cap sat at $400,000 from 2005-19 before being slashed completely during Covid in 2020 and slowly rising again since as the league recovers from the pandemic.

The SANFL, however, made a move three years ago to try to better reward its players by introducing a milestone payments system.

This started at $2500 for a player reaching 50 games and rising to $15,000 for 250 games.

The money, paid by the SANFL, sits outside clubs’ salary caps.

The report stated that while as many as 70 percent of SANFL players harboured dreams of being drafted to the AFL, retaining the best talent in the state league competition was challenging because of the greater money - and less time commitment - on offer in community and country leagues.

Of the players who replied to the survey, 80 percent had been approached to play in other competitions this season.

Crocker, who helped re-establish the SANFLPA in 2021, said the comprehensive report aimed to provide the league and public with an insight into the SANFL competition from the players’ perspective.

The findings revealed that 93 percent of players found it stressful to ask for time off for work or study to meet their SANFL commitments, while they also self-reported lower wellbeing than their AFL peers.

“These findings are of particular concern to the SANFPA and reflect the players’ calls over a number of years for a dedicated program to support players’ wellbeing,’’ Crocker said.

“At the SANFLPA’s AGM, the players identified wellbeing support as their top priority.’’

In February this year, the players voted in favour of pursuing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the SANFL to work through their concerns.

Crocker, who played in Sturt’s 2016-17 premiership teams, said the report outlined the opportunity that a CBA presented.

He said it demonstrated that by including the players and giving them a stake in the competition it would foster collaboration and strengthen the league, helping it to remain the best competition outside the AFL.

“We’re focused on working with the SANFL to find opportunities to best support players’ workplace conditions and mental health and wellbeing,’’ Crocker said.

“At our AGM earlier this year, the players voted in favour of pursuing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the SANFL and identified the need to establish a wellbeing program as their top priority.

“This report shows that there’s room to improve the players’ workplace and wellbeing and the SANFLPA will champion that cause for our members.

“All players, clubs and the league want a thriving SANFL as the best second-tier Australian football competition in the country.

“The players’ engagement and forthright responses through our surveying shows how deeply they care about the competition.

“This is a critical moment in time for the SANFL to harness the players’ enthusiasm and passion and to forge a genuine partnership, develop a shared vision for the future of the competition and guarantee the SANFL’s standing as the best state league in Australia.”

North Adelaide 209-game veteran Mitch Harvey - a 2018 SANFL premiership player and reigning Ken Farmer Medallist as league leading goalkicker - is one of the key players backing the SANFLPA’S push for better playing conditions.

A SANFLPA board member, he said the report highlighted the need for change.

“I’ve played in the competition for such a long time and over the years I’ve seen a lot of things change and a lot of players come and go and I want to make sure the SANFL continues to be the best competition outside the AFL,’’ said Harvey, 29, who was on Port Adelaide’s AFL list in 2014-15.

“Reading the report and looking at some of the numbers, which gives everyone some really good information, we have to make sure the competition remains sustainable for the players because it is a big commitment and I think at the moment the SANFL and all key stakeholders would probably acknowledge that the players aren’t paid well enough.

“The best players at each club are probably getting paid what they’re worth, but there is a list of 50-to-60 players at most clubs and the money drops off pretty quickly but the commitment doesn’t change.

“We need to keep encouraging good players to want to play in the SANFL, it’s something I’m really passionate about because I love the competition and want to make sure it remains sustainable, so hopefully we can work with the league to get a good outcome.’’

[amber_fluid]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

[wenchbarwer]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

If you're getting $5K a season, which is what they worked out the $8/hr on, that's 250 bucks a game. We all know there's more money in the AdelFL, let alone country leagues. For reserves players, where is the incentive to flog yourself for 16 hours a week when you'd be lucky to get a hundred bucks a game. Then you have mandatory private health on top of that (albeit at a discounted rate), club membership, additional club uniform costs, and you're essentially playing for nothing.

I don't begrudge these players leaving the SANFL one bit, something has to give if they want it to prosper.

[heater31]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

If you're getting $5K a season, which is what they worked out the $8/hr on, that's 250 bucks a game. We all know there's more money in the AdelFL, let alone country leagues. For reserves players, where is the incentive to flog yourself for 16 hours a week when you'd be lucky to get a hundred bucks a game. Then you have mandatory private health on top of that (albeit at a discounted rate), club membership, additional club uniform costs, and you're essentially playing for nothing.

I don't begrudge these players leaving the SANFL one bit, something has to give if they want it to prosper.

Don't forget as a semi professional there is tax taken out and there are expenses if you are injured.....

Standard rate for Reserves used to be $75 a game. $250 for a league game unless your contract stated otherwise.

[wenchbarwer]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

If you're getting $5K a season, which is what they worked out the $8/hr on, that's 250 bucks a game. We all know there's more money in the AdelFL, let alone country leagues. For reserves players, where is the incentive to flog yourself for 16 hours a week when you'd be lucky to get a hundred bucks a game. Then you have mandatory private health on top of that (albeit at a discounted rate), club membership, additional club uniform costs, and you're essentially playing for nothing.

I don't begrudge these players leaving the SANFL one bit, something has to give if they want it to prosper.

Don't forget as a semi professional there is tax taken out and there are expenses if you are injured.....

Standard rate for Reserves used to be $75 a game. $250 for a league game unless your contract stated otherwise.

There seems to be a lot more employment opportunities in local footy these days, too. Used to be that SANFL clubs had this as an inducement but I reckon the big local and country clubs more than have them covered in this regard, across a wide range of industries, too.

[gadj1976]

I've thought this for a while but the only reason you'd play SANFL is if you think you are going to make it to AFL level.

It's not true in all situations, but realistically I don't know why you'd bother. 4-5 nights a week vs 2. $200 a game vs maybe $1000. The SANFL clubs need to realise that despite them wanting professionalism of their players, they're being paid less then an amateur.

[PatowalongaPirate]

James Battersby on SEN SA at 3.30pm today, could be an interesting listen.

[UK Fan]

I've thought this for a while but the only reason you'd play SANFL is if you think you are going to make it to AFL level.

It's not true in all situations, but realistically I don't know why you'd bother. 4-5 nights a week vs 2. $200 a game vs maybe $1000. The SANFL clubs need to realise that despite them wanting professionalism of their players, they're being paid less then an amateur.

It’s an issue the league should have fixed years ago.

The SANFL itself should fund the clubs to increase the cap and stop this happening. The AFLPA should also be consulted as the above scenario should be seen as unacceptable. The SA GOV should also contribute imho. How many people now reside in SA due to an involvement with the SANFL. How much does that contribute to the local economy etc….

I’ve said it for nearly a decade and every time I mention raising the cap I get the naysayers/afl fans stating “west Adelaide CANT afford it”.

If subsidised what’s the issue ??

[UK Fan]

I'm hearing the Bays might have a real new Edge with their incoming coach.

Have heard it’s Matty Clarke. Glenelg waiting till the crows women finish up before announcing it.

X2

[wenchbarwer]

I've thought this for a while but the only reason you'd play SANFL is if you think you are going to make it to AFL level.

It's not true in all situations, but realistically I don't know why you'd bother. 4-5 nights a week vs 2. $200 a game vs maybe $1000. The SANFL clubs need to realise that despite them wanting professionalism of their players, they're being paid less then an amateur.

Even less incentive if you're in the reserves, which really does explain some of the names you see running around. I admire their work ethic greatly, but the moment would come pretty quickly when you realise "bugger this..."

[Pseudo]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

If you're getting $5K a season, which is what they worked out the $8/hr on, that's 250 bucks a game. We all know there's more money in the AdelFL, let alone country leagues. For reserves players, where is the incentive to flog yourself for 16 hours a week when you'd be lucky to get a hundred bucks a game. Then you have mandatory private health on top of that (albeit at a discounted rate), club membership, additional club uniform costs, and you're essentially playing for nothing.

I don't begrudge these players leaving the SANFL one bit, something has to give if they want it to prosper.

That's the same reason I never became a sperm donor.

[knowledge]

Good article
Cheers for reposting it
I didn’t realise how little sanfl players were paid.
No wonder the ammo’s/country is more appealing

If you're getting $5K a season, which is what they worked out the $8/hr on, that's 250 bucks a game. We all know there's more money in the AdelFL, let alone country leagues. For reserves players, where is the incentive to flog yourself for 16 hours a week when you'd be lucky to get a hundred bucks a game. Then you have mandatory private health on top of that (albeit at a discounted rate), club membership, additional club uniform costs, and you're essentially playing for nothing.

I don't begrudge these players leaving the SANFL one bit, something has to give if they want it to prosper.

Don't forget as a semi professional there is tax taken out and there are expenses if you are injured.....

Standard rate for Reserves used to be $75 a game. $250 for a league game unless your contract stated otherwise.

Can't speak for other clubs, but, these are picked up by the club. There are no medical expenses for player's injured playing/training if they stay within the club medical structure.



There seems to be a lot more employment opportunities in local footy these days, too. Used to be that SANFL clubs had this as an inducement but I reckon the big local and country clubs more than have them covered in this regard, across a wide range of industries, too.

[wenchbarwer]

You still need to pay for your own private health insurance, it's mandatory. Sure, it's subsidised and the clubs will use their own doctors to ensure there's no gap, but you're still buying your own insurance.

[am Bays]

You still need to pay for your own private health insurance, it's mandatory. Sure, it's subsidised and the clubs will use their own doctors to ensure there's no gap, but you're still buying your own insurance.

Doesnt matter where you play. If you don't have your own private health insurance and you're wanting/expecting $$$ to play footy you need your head read.

So that's a universal expense you have to pay at any level of footy.

[wenchbarwer]

You still need to pay for your own private health insurance, it's mandatory. Sure, it's subsidised and the clubs will use their own doctors to ensure there's no gap, but you're still buying your own insurance.

Doesnt matter where you play. If you don't have your own private health insurance and you're wanting/expecting $$$ to play footy you need your head read.

So that's a universal expense you have to pay at any level of footy.

Not mandatory though, is it? That's my point...

They're already on peanuts.

[Dutchy]

Believe it or not there are still plenty of footballers who want to play the highest level they can, while they can. To them it is more than money, to retire one day and look back knowing they gave it their all and got the most out of their talent.

These are the ones we need to celebrate more, they are within their clubs but externally they need more recognition imo.