Fischer McAsey has told the Adelaide Crows he will not be returning to the side and will step away from the AFL as he no longer has the passion to play at the top level.
McAsey, a 198-centimetre swingman who was taken with the sixth pick in the 2019 draft, has been on personal leave from the club since last November, allowing the now 21-year-old to stay with his family in Melbourne.
Fischer McAsey says he will step away from the AFL, saying he no longer has the passion to play.Credit:Eddie Jim
He said in a statement on Monday that the decision to step away from the AFL had been “extremely difficult” but he no longer had the passion to play and perform at the elite level.
“Unfortunately, I have lost a lot of the enjoyment and desire to improve which is required to make it at the top level,” McAsey said.
He said he was grateful the club had supported him with time to consider the decision, adding he was “highly appreciative” of the people who had worked hard to develop him as a player and a person.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision to come to, and one that I haven’t taken lightly, but through discussions with close friends and family, the club and my management, I feel that it is the right decision for my long-term future and wellbeing,” McAsey said.
“Not everyone will understand the decision, but I’m comfortable with the path that I’m headed, and am excited by the ability to pursue other interests.”
Thanking the club and wishing it the best for the coming season and beyond, he said the Crows had given him the opportunity to live out “a boyhood dream”.
McAsey was drafted from Sandringham and played 10 AFL games, mostly playing down back and at times up forward. He will be placed on Adelaide’s inactive list for the 2023 season.
McAsey is the Crows’ second-highest ever draft pick, equal with Josh Rachele who was No.6 in 2021. Adelaide’s highest draft pick was Riley Thilthorpe in 2020.
Crows head of football Adam Kelly said the club was committed to supporting McAsey as he embarked upon life away from professional football. He said the club respected the decision and thanked him for his contribution.
“The welfare of our players is always our top priority and while we are naturally disappointed to see Fischer step away, we understand the reasons behind his decision and there is much more to life than football,” Kelly said.
“We were fully supportive of his request for personal leave in November and remained in regular communication with both Fischer and his management during the past two months.
