Why delisted Don will not be pursuing another AFL opportunity

Sam Weideman is highly unlikely to pursue another AFL opportunity following his recent Essendon delisting.

The 27-year-old forward was not offered a new contract for 2025 after two seasons with the Bombers which yielded 17 games.

It brought to a close his nine-year AFL career which commenced at Melbourne and delivered a total of 76 games and 77 goals.

Weideman admits it was disappointing to hear the news after just one AFL match in 2024.

“It was an interesting season, obviously a disappointing one personally,” he told SEN Mornings.

“I wasn’t really sure how it was going to pan out. A few things had to work my way over the trade period which unfortunately didn’t.

“A few days after the trade period they made the call to not give me another contract. In that period you have to weigh up both options and plan for both outcomes. It gave me a chance to do that, it’s obviously disappointing.

“But I’m keen to move on and see what’s next.”

The 2015 draftee says a lack of interest from other clubs suggests to him that his time at the elite level is more than likely done.

“There hasn’t been a whole heap of interest post the decision from the Bombers,” he added.

“I had to have a deep think about what I wanted to do next. The drive to play AFL footy probably isn’t there for me and I think it would just be unfair to another person if I were to get another spot, I don’t want to take that away from someone who is really driven to keep playing AFL footy.

“I absolutely loved my time in the game, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I obviously put everything I had into it, but I think it’s the time to move on.

“If there was interest it could be a different story but I think the fact there’s no interest at the moment made my decision easy and I’m keen to move on.”

Weideman also commented on how he attempted to deal with outside expectation following his breakout game for the Demons when he kicked three goals from 24 disposals in the 2018 Elimination Final victory over Geelong.

“I’ve got fond memories of that game, I’ll definitely hang my hat on that going forward,” he said further.

“I probably set a really high expectation of myself following that game. I guess there was a lot of outside pressure as well that came with that.

“I really struggled with that outside expectation early. I wish I had have done that differently. I’m not really sure, I guess the team struggled in that following season which I struggled with too.

“I wish it had have panned out differently, but I can’t really quite put my finger on what went wrong.”

Despite it all coming an end, the former No.9 draft pick only has fond memories of his AFL career, particularly playing on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

“Playing on the ‘G, it’s a dream,” he added.

“Playing all around Australia, it’s something I’m very proud of and I’m something I absolutely loved.”

Weideman, who recently became a father to young Charlie, confirmed he has signed with his local club Vermont in the Eastern Football League where he played his junior footy.