“I’ve still got AFL aspirations”: Delisted Crow primed to play SANFL, but would still love a second chance

Delisted Crow Patrick Parnell is remaining motivated to continue his footy career, recently signing with Glenelg in the SANFL for 2025.

Adelaide confirmed last month that the 2021 mid-season draftee would not be offered a contract for 2025 after playing 17 games at senior level in three years.

“It was disappointing to be let go at the end of this year, but in saying that I loved my few years at the Crows, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Parnell said on SEN SA’s The Run Home.

“I saw the writing on the wall a few weeks out during the trade period.

“I saw (my delisting) coming a little bit, but it didn’t make it any easier.”

While Parnell’s delisting didn’t spark any interest on the AFL front, he admitted he still has aspirations to play at the elite level after learning plenty during his stint with the Crows.

“I got on the front foot a few weeks before I was delisted,” Parnell added.

“My management reached out to a few state league clubs to get the ball rolling, but there wasn’t a lot of interest AFL-wise.

“I learnt plenty playing down back with Brodie Smith, Wayne Milera, Luke Brown, and those sorts of guys. I feel like my footy has come a long way and I still feel like I can improve.

“Whether or not I get an opportunity to play AFL footy, I’m not sure.”

But for now he will focus on a new beginning at Glenelg after choosing the reigning SANFL premiers over other options.

“I’ve loved my last few years in Adelaide, I’m reasonably established here and have got some good mates here,” he continued.

“In the end it was a pretty easy decision to stay in Adelaide.

“I had a chat with a few (SANFL clubs) but in the end, I think it was a relatively easy decision to pick Glenelg. They’re a pretty impressive club and have got a pretty good footy program.

“I’ve still got AFL aspirations, whether that happens or not, I’m not sure.

“But I’m very excited by the next few years at Glenelg and very excited by what the club could potentially achieve.”

Glenelg has won seven league premierships in its history, and are back-to-back SANFL premiers having won the flag in 2023 and 2024.

Adding a player with AFL experience such as Parnell promises to make the Tigers even stronger again in 2025.